In expansion of, and in addition to, the declaration of legislative intent and statement of community development objectives found in Article
I, §§
275-2 and
275-3, of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the Township inhabitants by providing specific duties and responsibilities for the Building Code Official 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 a Building Code Official.
A. The Board of Supervisors shall annually appoint to a one-year term
a Building Code Official who shall meet qualifications established
by the Supervisors and demonstrate a working knowledge of municipal
zoning. The Building Code Official may succeed himself.
B. The Building Code Official shall receive compensation as determined
by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
C. The Building Code Official shall make reports to the Board of Supervisors
as it may require.
The Building Code Official 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 Building Code Official 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 municipal agents 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 Building Code Official determines that an application
is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, it shall be
his duty to issue the appropriate permit; and if he determines that
an application is not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter,
it shall be his duty to refuse the permit, in which case, he shall
instruct the applicant in the method as hereinafter set forth for
appeal or application to the Zoning Hearing Board.
An appeal from the decision of the Building Code Official 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 Building Code
Official may authorize a six-month extension where, in his 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.