[Adopted 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-07]
In order to determine the suitability of alternate materials or methods of construction, exemptions, requests for extensions of time, or interpretations of the curb and sidewalk provisions of Chapter 169, as provided for herein, there is hereby created a Sidewalk and Curb Board of Appeals ("Board of Appeals") consisting of three members who are qualified by experience or training to pass upon matters pertaining to the curb and sidewalk provisions of Chapter 169.
The Board of Appeals shall have all the powers and duties with regard to appeals from a decision of a Borough Official or body regarding suitability of alternate materials or methods of constructions, exemptions, requests for extensions of time, or interpretation of the curb and sidewalk provisions of Chapter 169. The Board of Appeals shall adopt and make available to participants guidelines and standards to be used in formulating and rendering decisions in proceedings before it.
A.
The Board of Appeals shall consist of three members appointed by
the Borough Council, and appointments shall be as follows: one member
to be appointed for five years, one for four years and one for three
years, and thereafter each new member shall serve for five years or
until a successor has been appointed. Each member shall serve at the
pleasure of the Borough Council and may be removed by the Borough
Council at any time for any reason. Members of the Borough Council,
Zoning Hearing Board members and code administrators employed by the
Borough are prohibited from serving on the Board of Appeals.
B.
The Borough Council may appoint an alternate member to the Board
of Appeals, such alternate member to be appointed for five years.
The alternate member shall have the same qualifications as other members
of the Board. The alternate member may be seated at any time as directed
by the Chairperson to:
The Board shall select one of its members to serve as Chairperson,
and the appointing official shall designate a clerk from the municipality
to serve as Secretary to the Board, who shall keep a detailed record
of all proceedings on file with the Borough office.
A member of the Board shall not pass on any question in which
that member is engaged as contractor or material dealer or in which
the Board member has any personal, professional or financial interest.
A.
Any person aggrieved by a decision of any Borough official or body
who or which is responsible for the enforcement of the Curb and Sidewalk
Ordinance shall file a written notice of appeal with the Board of
Appeals within 10 days after the rendering of such decision.
B.
A filing fee as the Borough Council may from time to time determine
by resolution shall accompany such notice of appeal.
The Board shall meet upon written notice of the Chairman given
to the appellant and the Board members within 45 days of the filing
of an appeal or at a stated periodic meeting if warranted by the volume
of work.
All hearings shall be public and conducted under the requirements
of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law.[1] The appellant, the appellant's representative, the relevant
Borough official and any other person whose interest or who may be
affected by the subject appeal shall be given an opportunity to be
heard.
A.
The Board shall decide an appeal for alternate materials or methods
of construction, exemption, request for extension of time or provide
a requested clarification by reviewing documents and any written brief
or argument unless the owner or owner's agent requests a hearing.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
When three qualified members are not present to consider a specific
appeal, either the appellant, the enforcing official or their representative
may request a postponement of the hearing.
The Board shall affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the
enforcing official by a concurring vote of a majority.
Every action of the Board shall be by resolution, and certified
copies shall be furnished to the appellant within 15 days of the decision.
A copy shall also be provided to the Borough office. Decisions of
the Board of Appeals shall be final and any appeal thereto shall be
made to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of
the date of the Board's decision as prescribed by law.
