In expansion of the declaration of legislative intent and community development objectives contained in Article
I of this chapter, the specific intent of this article is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of Township residents and business by providing specific duties and responsibilities for the Zoning Officer in the issuance of building and occupancy permits, and the procedures for obtaining the same, as contained in this article.
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered
and enforced by the Township Zoning Officer.
A. The Board of Supervisors shall annually appoint to
a one-year term a Zoning Officer who shall meet qualifications established
by the Supervisors and demonstrate a working knowledge of municipal
zoning. The Zoning Officer may succeed himself or herself.
B. The Zoning Officer shall receive compensation as determined
by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
C. The Zoning Officer shall make reports to the Board
of Supervisors as it may require.
The Zoning Officer shall have the authority
to perform the following responsibilities:
A. Receive all applications for building permits and
use and occupancy permits.
B. Keep a public record of these applications, including:
(1)
All relevant plans and information submitted
therewith.
(2)
Permits issued in their regard.
(3)
Any special conditions attached thereto.
C. Review these applications for compliance with the
literal terms of this chapter, all other applicable ordinances, and
the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which
are relevant to the subject and intent of this chapter.
D. Issue no permit unless it conforms literally with
this chapter, all other applicable ordinances, and the laws and regulations
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which are relevant to the subject
and intent of this chapter.
(1)
When the Zoning Hearing Board grants a special
exception or variance, the application shall be considered in compliance
with this chapter for the purpose of issuing permits; the Zoning Hearing
Board action shall be made a part of the public record of these applications.
(2)
The Zoning Officer shall issue permits in regard
to such applications only upon receipt of written evidence from the
Zoning Hearing Board attesting to the granting of the special exception
or variance.
E. Enlist the assistance of other Township consultants
and agencies in performing these responsibilities.
F. Conduct inspections and surveys to determine compliance
or noncompliance with the terms of this chapter.
G. Make written orders requiring compliance with the
provisions of this chapter to be served personally or by certified
mail.
H. Institute proceedings in courts of proper jurisdiction
for the enforcement of provisions of this chapter, at the direction
of the Board of Supervisors.
I. Have available a map showing the current zoning classification
of all land.
J. Maintain a record of the identity, location, and type
of uses assigned nonconforming status, as well as documentation of
the evidence and reasoning that led to the assignment of nonconforming
status.
K. Participate in proceedings before the Zoning Hearing
Board, either at the request of the Board of Supervisors as a representative
of the Township, or at the request of the Zoning Hearing Board as
a sworn witness presenting fact and information.
If the Zoning Officer determines that an application
is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, it shall be
his/her duty to issue the appropriate permit; and if he/she determines
that an application is not in compliance with the provisions of this
chapter, it shall be his/her duty to refuse the permit, in which case
he/she shall instruct the applicant in the method as hereinafter set
forth of appeal or application to the Zoning Hearing Board.
An appeal from the decision of the Zoning Officer
shall be made within 30 days, according to the procedures described
herein.
A use and occupancy permit shall expire six
months after the date of issuance unless the permittee shall have
commenced substantial construction or utilization of the property
which is the subject of the permit in accordance with the intent thereof.
The Zoning Officer may authorize a six-month extension where, in his/her
opinion, circumstances warrant an extension.
The applicant for a building permit or use and
occupancy permit shall, at the time of making application, pay to
the Township a fee in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.