[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Persons desiring to undertake any new construction, structural or site alteration, or changes in the use of a building or lot shall apply to the Zoning Officer for a zoning permit. The permit application must be filled out completely and submitted to the Borough for review.
2. 
The Zoning Officer shall either issue the zoning permit or shall refuse the permit, indicating in writing the reason for refusal. Certain construction, alterations or uses require approval of the Zoning Hearing Board, Borough Council, and/or the recommendations of the Planning Commission.
3. 
If refused a permit by the Zoning Officer, the applicant may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board for further consideration.
4. 
After the approved zoning permit has been received by the applicant, he may undertake the action permitted by the zoning permit.
5. 
Upon completion of such action and upon approval of all inspections, a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Zoning Permit.
A. 
Scope.
(1) 
No person shall erect, alter, or convert any structure or building, nor alter the use of any land or structure, until the Zoning Officer issues a zoning permit to the person for said change or construction.
(2) 
No zoning permit is required for normal maintenance and repairs.
(3) 
A zoning permit is automatically voided unless construction is started within 180 days from the date the permit is issued.
B. 
Types of Uses.
(1) 
Permitted Use. A zoning permit for a permitted use may be issued by the Zoning Officer.
(2) 
Special Exception, Variance. A zoning permit for a use requiring a special exception or variance shall be issued by the Zoning Officer only upon the order of the Zoning Hearing Board after a hearing. An application for a special exception, variance or for interpretation of any part or provision of this chapter shall be made to the Zoning Hearing Board on forms which may be obtained from the Zoning Officer.
(3) 
Conditional Use. A zoning permit for a conditional use shall be issued by the Zoning Officer only upon the written order of the Borough Council. An application for a conditional use shall be made to the Borough Council on forms which may be obtained from the Zoning Officer.
C. 
Application.
(1) 
All applications for a zoning permit shall be in writing on a form provided by the Zoning Officer and shall be submitted to the Borough for review for compliance with this chapter and Borough Building Code as duly adopted by Borough Council.
(2) 
All applications for a zoning permit shall include a plot plan drawn to scale showing the dimensions of the lot and the dimensions and setbacks of all existing structures as well as the dimensions and setbacks of the proposed construction. The Zoning Officer or the Zoning Hearing Board may require any additional information which he deems necessary to properly evaluate the application for the purpose of determining its conformity with this chapter.
(3) 
Prior to the issuance of any zoning permit, the Zoning Officer shall review the application for such permit to determine if all other necessary governmental permits (such as those required by state and federal laws such as Act 537, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq., the Water Obstruction Act of 1913 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, § 404, 33 U.S.C. § 1334, have been obtained. No permit shall be issued until this determination has been made.
D. 
Issuance.
(1) 
The Zoning Officer shall issue or refuse an application for a zoning permit within 15 days after the date such application was made for residential applications and 30 days after the date such application was made for commercial applications, except as specifically provided for in this chapter.
(2) 
A zoning permit shall be prepared in at least triplicate.
(3) 
One copy shall be kept conspicuously on the premises. No person shall perform building operations of any kind unless a zoning permit is being displayed as required by this chapter.
(4) 
After the issuance of a zoning permit by the Zoning Officer, no changes of any kind shall be made to the application, permit, plans, specifications or other documents submitted with the application without the written consent or approval of the Zoning Officer.
2. 
Occupancy Permit.
A. 
Scope. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued by the Zoning Officer upon the completion of any structure and prior to the occupancy of that structure. A certificate of occupancy shall also be secured from the Zoning Officer prior to the reoccupancy of any dwelling, prior to the reoccupancy of any structure or land where a commercial or industrial use is to be located, and for any change of use of any existing building or land where a dwelling or a commercial or industrial use will be involved.
B. 
Application. All applications for a certificate of occupancy shall be in writing on a form furnished by the Zoning Officer.
C. 
Issuance.
(1) 
The Zoning Officer shall grant or refuse an application for a certificate of occupancy within five days after being notified of the completion of authorized construction or alteration, or (where no construction or alteration is involved) within five days after receipt of such application.
(2) 
A copy of the certificate of occupancy shall be kept upon the premises, and shall be displayed upon request made by any officer of the Borough.
3. 
Other Permits. The Borough may require additional permits specified in other related ordinances and laws.
4. 
Permits within Historic Districts. For any erection, alteration, or enlargement of any building, or other structure, or portion thereof within any duly created Historic District, the permit application shall be reviewed by the Historic Architectural Review Board prior to the issuance of a permit in accordance with Historic District ordinances in effect in the Borough. Permits shall be issued only after the Council has approved a certificate of appropriateness.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Appointment.
A. 
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by a Zoning Officer.
B. 
The Zoning Officer shall be appointed by Borough Council and shall not hold any elective office.
C. 
The Zoning Officer shall continue to serve the Borough until such time as Borough Council declares otherwise.
2. 
Duties and Powers.
A. 
The Zoning Officer shall:
(1) 
Administer this chapter in accordance with its literal terms.
(2) 
Receive and examine all applications required under the terms of this chapter.
(3) 
Issue or refuse permits within 15 days of the receipt of the application for residential permits and 30 days of the receipt of the application for commercial permits, except as specifically provided for in this chapter.
(4) 
Receive complaints of violation of this chapter.
(5) 
Issue a written notice of violation to any person violating any provision of this chapter.
(6) 
Keep records of applications, permits, and certificates issued, of variances granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, of complaints received, of inspections made, of reports rendered, and of notice or orders issued.
(7) 
Make all required inspections and perform all other duties as called for in this chapter.
B. 
The Zoning Officer shall not have the power to permit any construction, use or change of use which does not conform to this chapter.
C. 
The Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to institute civil enforcement proceedings as a means of enforcement when acting within the scope of his employment in accordance with the enforcement notice and enforcement remedies provisions of §§ 27-811 and 27-812.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
A Zoning Hearing Board is established in order that the objectives of this chapter may be more fully and equitably achieved and a means for competent interpretation of this chapter provided. Any rights, duties, procedures, or obligations of the Board not specified within or in conflict with this chapter, shall be governed by Article IX of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10901 et seq.
2. 
Membership of the Board.
A. 
The membership of the Board shall consist of three residents of the Borough appointed by resolution by the Borough Council. The terms of office of a three member board shall be three years and shall be so fixed that the term of office of one member shall expire each year. The Board shall promptly notify the Borough Council of any vacancies which occur. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term. Members of the Board shall hold no other elected or appointed office in the Borough nor shall any member be an employee of the Borough.
B. 
The Borough may appoint by resolution at least one but no more than three residents of the Borough to serve as alternate members of the Board. The term of office of an alternate member shall be three years. When seated pursuant to the provisions of § 906 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10906, an alternate shall be entitled to participate in all proceedings and discussions of the Board to the same and full extent as provided by law for Board members, including specifically the right to cast a vote as a voting member during the proceedings, and shall have all the powers and duties set forth in this chapter and as otherwise provided by law. Alternates shall hold no other elected or appointed office in the Borough, including service as a member of the Planning Commission or as a Zoning Officer, nor shall any alternate be an employee of the Borough. Any alternate may participate in any proceeding or discussion of the Board but shall not be entitled to vote as a member of the Board nor be compensated pursuant to § 907 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PaMPC), 53 P.S. § 10907, unless designated as a voting alternate member pursuant to § 906.1 of the PaMPC, 53 P.S. § 10906.1.
3. 
Removal of Members. Any Board member may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office or for other just cause by a majority vote of the Borough Council which appointed the member, taken after the member has received 15 days' advance notice of the intent to take such a vote. A hearing shall be held in connection with the vote if the member shall request it in writing.
4. 
Organization of Board.
A. 
The Board shall elect from its own membership its officers, who shall serve annual terms as such and may succeed themselves. For the conduct of any hearing and the taking of any action, a quorum shall be not less than a majority of all the members of the Board, but the Board may appoint a hearing officer from its own membership to conduct any hearing on its behalf and the parties may waive further action by the Board as provided in § 908 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10908.
B. 
The chairman of the Board may designate alternate members of the Board to replace any absent or disqualified member and it by reason of absence or disqualification of a member, a quorum is not reached, the chairman of the Board shall designate as many alternate members of the Board to sit on the Board as may be needed to reach a quorum. Any alternate member of the Board shall continue to serve on the Board in all proceedings involving the matter or case for which the alternate was initially appointed until the Board has made a final decision on the matter or case. Designation of an alternate pursuant to this section shall be made on a case by case basis in rotation according to declining seniority among all alternates.
C. 
The Board may make, alter and rescind rules and forms for its procedure, consistent with ordinances of the Borough and laws of the Commonwealth. The Board shall keep full public records of its business, which records shall be the property of the Borough, and shall submit a report of its activities to the Borough Council as requested by the Borough Council.
D. 
The fees for all proceedings, hearings and actions by the Board shall be paid by the applicant.
5. 
Expenditures for Services. Within the limits of funds appropriated by the Borough Council, the Board may employ or contract for secretaries, clerks, legal counsel, consultants and other technical and clerical services. Members of the Board may receive compensation for the performance of their duties, as may be fixed by the Borough Council, but in no case shall it exceed the rate of compensation authorized to be paid to the members of the Borough Council. Alternate members of the Board may receive compensation, as may be fixed by the Borough Council, for the performance of their duties when designated as alternate members pursuant to § 906 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10906, but in no case shall such compensation exceed the rate of compensation authorized to be paid to the members of the Borough Council.
6. 
Zoning Hearing Board's Functions.
A. 
Variances.
(1) 
The Board shall hear requests for variances where it is alleged that the provisions of this chapter inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant.
(2) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall provide written notification to all property owners within 100 feet of the property subject to an application before the Board.
(3) 
The Board may by rule prescribe the form of application and may require preliminary application to the Zoning Officer. The Board may grant a variance, provided that all of the following findings are made where relevant in a given case:
(a) 
There are unique physical circumstances or conditions, including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of this chapter in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located.
(b) 
Because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of this chapter and that the authorization of a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property.
(c) 
Such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant.
(d) 
The variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare.
(e) 
The variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification possible of the regulation in issue.
(4) 
In granting any variance, the Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.
(5) 
Unless otherwise extended, ordered or authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board, the grant of a variance shall automatically expire and be deemed null and void if no permit is issued within one year of the order granting the variance or if no substantial work has been performed within six months from the day the permit was issued.
Extensions of the above time limitations shall only be granted for urgent and compelling reasons. All orders of the Zoning Hearing Board granting variances shall include a specific reference to this section with an appropriate warning of its effect.
B. 
Special Exception Uses. Where the Borough Council, in this chapter, has stated special exceptions to be granted or denied by the Board pursuant to express standards and criteria, the Board shall hear and decide requests for such special exceptions in accordance with such standards and criteria.
(1) 
Purpose. Before a zoning permit is granted for any use permitted as a special exception use in this chapter, the Board shall hear and decide a request for special exception. A zoning permit may only be issued if such request for special exception is granted by the Board. This procedure is provided because of the considerable impact that these tend to have on the community.
(2) 
Procedure.
(a) 
The Zoning Officer shall deny a zoning permit for the proposed development requiring special exception approval until written approval of the Zoning Hearing Board is obtained.
(b) 
All applicants for a special exception use shall submit seven sets of site plans for the proposed use to the Zoning Hearing Board as part of the application for a zoning permit.
(c) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall forward one copy of the site plan to the Zoning Officer within seven days of receiving the submission.
(d) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall provide written notification to all property owners within 100 feet of the property subject to an application before the Board.
(e) 
The Board shall review reports received from the Zoning Officer. Failure of the Zoning Officer to submit a written report prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting shall not prevent the Board from hearing and deciding the request.
(f) 
The Board shall hear such request for a special exception use tinder the procedures of this Part within 60 days from the date an application has been properly submitted.
(3) 
Approval and Expiration of Special Exception Uses.
(a) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall approve any proposed special exception use if they find adequate evidence that any proposed use will meet:
1) 
All of the general standards listed below in Subsection 6B(4).
2) 
All of the specific standards for the proposed use listed in § 27-320 of this chapter.
(b) 
In granting a special exception, the Board may require such reasonable conditions and safeguards (in addition to those expressed in this chapter) as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.
(c) 
Unless otherwise extended, ordered or authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board, the grant of a variance shall automatically expire and be deemed null and void if no permit is issued within one year of the order granting the variance or if no substantial work has been performed within six months from the day the permit was issued.
Extensions of the above time limitations shall only be granted for urgent and compelling reasons. All orders of the Zoning Hearing Board granting variances shall include a specific reference to this section with an appropriate warning of its effect.
(4) 
General Standards. Each special exception use shall comply with all of the following general standards:
(a) 
In conformance with the spirit, purposes, intent, and all applicable requirements of this chapter.
(b) 
In conformance with all applicable provisions of all other Borough ordinances.
(c) 
In accordance with the Bristol Borough Comprehensive Plan.
(d) 
In conformance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and requirements.
(e) 
Suitable for the particular location in question.
(f) 
Not detrimental to the public welfare.
7. 
Applications to the Board.
A. 
All appeals from a decision of the Zoning Officer and applications to the Board shall be in writing on forms prescribed by the Board.
B. 
Every appeal or application shall include the following:
(1) 
The name and address of the applicant or appellant.
(2) 
The name and address of the owner of the property to be affected by such proposed change or appeal.
(3) 
A brief description and location of the properly to be affected by such proposed change or appeal.
(4) 
A statement of the present zoning classification of the property in question, the improvements thereon and the present use thereof.
(5) 
A statement of the section of this chapter under which the appeal is made and reasons why it should be granted or a statement of the section of this chapter governing the situation in which the alleged erroneous ruling is being appealed and the reasons for this appeal.
(6) 
A reasonably accurate description of the additions or changes intended to be made under the application, indicating the size, material and general construction of such proposed improvements. A plot plan of the property to be affected, indicating the location and size of the lot and the size of existing and intended improvements, shall be attached to the description.
8. 
Hearings. The Board shall conduct hearings and make decisions in accordance with the following requirements:
A. 
Public notice shall be given and written notice shall be given to the applicant, the Zoning Officer, such other persons as the Borough Council shall designate by ordinance and to any person who has made timely request for the same. Written notices shall be given at such time and in such manner as shall be prescribed by ordinance or, in the absence of ordinance provision, by rules of the Board. In addition to the written notice provided herein, written notice of said hearing shall be conspicuously posted on the affected tract of land at least one week prior to the hearing.
B. 
The Borough Council may prescribe reasonable fees with respect to hearings before the Zoning Hearing Board. Fees for said hearings may include compensation for the secretary and members of the Zoning Hearing Board, notice and advertising costs and necessary administrative overhead connected with the hearing. The costs, however, shall not include legal expenses of the Zoning Hearing Board, expenses for engineering, architectural or other technical consultants or expert witness costs.
C. 
The first hearing before the Board or hearing officer shall be commenced within 60 days from the date of receipt of the applicant's application, unless the applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time. Each subsequent hearing before the Board or hearing officer shall be held within 45 days of the prior hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by the applicant in writing or on the record. An applicant shall complete the presentation of his case-in-chief within 100 days of the first hearing. Upon the request of the applicant, the Board or hearing officer shall assure that the applicant receives at least seven hours of hearings within the 100 days, including the first hearing. Persons opposed to the application shall complete the presentation of their opposition to the application within 100 days of the first hearing held after the completion of the applicant's case-in-chief. An applicant may, upon request, be granted additional hearings to complete his case-in-chief provided the persons opposed to the application are granted an equal number of additional hearings. Persons opposed to the application may, upon the written consent or consent on the record by the applicant and Borough, be granted additional hearings to complete their opposition to the application provided the applicant is granted an equal number of additional hearings for rebuttal.
D. 
The hearings shall be conducted by the Board or the Board may appoint any member or an independent attorney as a hearing officer. The decision, or, where no decision is called for, the findings shall be made by the Board; however, the appellant or the applicant, as the case may be, in addition to the Borough, may, prior to the decision of the hearing, waive decision or findings by the Board and accept the decision or findings of the hearing officer as final.
E. 
The parties to the hearing shall be the Borough, any person affected by the application who has made timely appearance of record before the Board, and any other person including civic or community organizations permitted to appear by the Board. The Board shall have power to require that all persons who wish to be considered parties enter appearances in writing on forms provided by the Board for that purpose.
F. 
The chairman or acting chairman of the Board or the hearing officer presiding shall have power to administer oaths and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant documents and papers, including witnesses and documents requested by the parties.
G. 
The parties shall have the right to be represented by counsel and shall be afforded the opportunity to respond and present evidence and argument and cross-examine adverse witnesses on all relevant issues.
H. 
Formal rules of evidence shall not apply, but irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded.
I. 
The Board or the hearing officer, as the case may be, shall keep a stenographic record of the proceedings. The appearance fee for a stenographer shall be shared equally by the applicant and the Board. The cost of the original transcript shall be paid by the Board if the transcript is ordered by the Board or hearing officer or shall be paid by the person appealing from the decision of the Board if such appeal is made, and in either event the cost of additional copies shall be paid by the person requesting such copy or copies. In other cases the party requesting the original transcript shall bear the cost thereof.
J. 
The Board or the hearing officer shall not communicate, directly or indirectly, with any party or his representatives in connection with any issue involved except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate, shall not take notice of any communication, reports, staff memoranda, or other materials, except advice from their solicitor, unless the parties are afforded an opportunity to contest the material so noticed and shall not inspect the site or its surroundings after the commencement of hearings with any party or his representative unless all parties are given an opportunity to be present.
K. 
The Board or the hearing officer, as the case may be, shall render a written decision or, when no decision is called for, make written findings on the application within 45 days after the last hearing before the Board or hearing officer. Where the application is contested or denied, each decision shall be accompanied by findings of fact and conclusions based thereon together with the reasons therefore. Conclusions based on any provisions of this act or of any ordinance, rule or regulation shall contain a reference to the provision relied on and the reasons why the conclusion is deemed appropriate in the light of the facts found. If the hearing is conducted by a hearing officer and there has been no stipulation that his decision or findings are final, the Board shall make his report and recommendations available to the parties within 45 days and the parties shall be entitled to make written representations thereon to the Board prior to final decision or entry of findings, and the Board's decision shall be entered no later than 30 days after the report of the hearing officer. Except for challenges filed under § 916.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PaMPC), 53 P.S. § 10916.1, where the Board fails to render the decision within the period required by this subsection or fails to commence, conduct or complete the required hearing as provided in § 908(1.2) of the PaMPC, 53 P.S. § 10908(1.2), the decision shall be deemed to have been rendered in favor of the applicant unless the applicant has agreed in writing or on the record to an extension of time. When a decision has been rendered in favor of the applicant because of the failure of the Board to meet or render a decision as hereinabove provided, the Board shall give public notice of said decision within 10 days from the last day it could have met to render a decision in the same manner as provided in § 908(1) of the PaMPC, 53 P.S. § 10908(1). If the Board shall fail to provide such notice, the applicant may do so. Nothing in this subsection shall prejudice the right of any party opposing the application to appeal the decision to a court of competent jurisdiction.
L. 
A copy of the final decision or, where no decision is called for, of the findings shall be delivered to the applicant personally or mailed to him not later than the day following its date. To all other persons who have filed their name and address with the Board not later than the last day of the hearing, the Board shall provide by mail or otherwise, brief notice of the decision or findings and a statement of the place at which the full decision or findings may be examined.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Where the Borough Council, in the zoning ordinances, has stated conditional uses to be granted or denied by the Borough Council pursuant to express standards and criteria, the Borough Council shall hold hearings on and decide requests for such conditional uses in accordance with such standards and criteria. The hearing shall be conducted by the Board or the Board may appoint any member or an independent attorney as a hearing officer. The decision, or, where no decision is called for, the findings shall be made by the Board. However, the appellant or the applicant, as the case may be, in addition to the Borough, may, prior to the decision or the hearing, waive decision or findings by the Board and accept the decision or findings of the hearing officer as final. In granting a conditional use, the Borough Council may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards, in addition to those expressed in the ordinance, as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this act in this chapter.
A. 
The Borough Council shall render a written decision or, when no decision is called for, make written findings on the conditional use application within 45 days after the last hearing before the Borough Council. Where the application is contested or denied, each decision shall be accompanied by findings of fact or conclusions based thereon, together with any reasons therefor. Conclusions based on any provisions of this act or of any ordinance, rule or regulation shall contain a reference to the provision relied on and the reasons why the conclusion is deemed appropriate in the light of the facts found.
B. 
Where the Borough Council fails to render the decision within the period required by this subsection or fails to commence, conduct or complete the required hearing as provided in § 908(1.2) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10908(1.2), the decision shall be deemed to have been rendered in favor of the applicant unless the applicant has agreed in writing or on the record to an extension of time. When a decision has been rendered in favor of the applicant because of the failure of the Borough Council to meet or render a decision as hereinabove provided, the Borough Council shall give public notice of the decision within 10 days from the last day it could have met to render a decision in the same manner as required by the public notice requirements of this chapter. If the Borough Council shall fail to provide such notice, the applicant may do so.
C. 
Nothing in this subsection shall prejudice the right of any party opposing the application to appeal the decision to a court of competent jurisdiction. A copy of the final decision or, where no decision is called for, of the findings shall be delivered to the applicant personally or mailed to him no later than the day following its date.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and render final adjudications in the following matters:
A. 
Substantive challenges to the validity of any land use ordinance, except those brought before the Borough Council pursuant to §§ 609.1 and 916.1(a)(2) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§ 10609.1, 10916.1(a)(2).
B. 
Challenges to the validity of a land use ordinance raising procedural questions or alleged defects in the process of enactment or adoption which challenges shall be raised by an appeal taken within 30 days after the effective date of said ordinance. Where the ordinance appealed from is the initial zoning ordinance of the Borough and a Zoning Hearing Board has not been previously established, the appeal raising procedural questions shall be taken directly to court.
C. 
Appeals from the determination of the Zoning Officer, including, but not limited to, the granting or denial of any permit, or failure to act on the application therefor, the issuance of any cease and desist order or the registration or refusal to register any nonconforming use, structure or lot.
D. 
Appeals from a determination by a municipal engineer or the Zoning Officer with reference to the administration of any floodplain or flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance.
E. 
Applications for variances from the terms of this chapter and flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance, pursuant to § 27-804, Subsection 6A, of this chapter.
F. 
Applications for special exceptions under this chapter or floodplain or flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance, pursuant to § 27-804, Subsection 6B, of this chapter.
G. 
Appeals from the determination of any officer or agency charged with the administration of any transfers of development rights or performance density provisions of this chapter.
H. 
Appeals from the Zoning Officer's determination under § 916.2 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10916.2.
I. 
Appeals from the determination of the Zoning Officer or Borough Engineer in the administration of any land use ordinance or provision thereof with reference to sedimentation and erosion control and stormwater management insofar as the same relate to development not involving subdivision and land development applications.
2. 
The Borough Council or, except as to clauses 909.1(b)(3), (4) and (5) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10909.1(b)(3), (4) and (5), the planning agency, if designated, shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and render final adjudications in the following matters:
A. 
All applications for approvals of planned residential developments under Article VII pursuant to the provisions of § 702 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10702.
B. 
All applications pursuant to § 508 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10508, for approval of subdivisions or land developments under Article V, 53 P.S. § 10501 et seq. Any provision in a subdivision and land development ordinance requiring that final action concerning subdivision and land development applications be taken by a planning agency rather than the Borough Council shall vest exclusive jurisdiction in the planning agency in lieu of the Borough Council for purposes of the provisions of this paragraph.
C. 
Applications for conditional use under the express provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 603(c)(2) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10603(c)(2).
D. 
Applications for curative amendment to a zoning ordinance pursuant to §§ 609.1 and 916.1(a)(2) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§ 10609.1, 10916(a)(2).
E. 
All petitions for amendments to land use ordinances, pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 27-809, Subsection 2, of this chapter. Any action on such petitions shall be deemed legislative acts, provided that nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish existing law with reference to appeals to court.
F. 
Appeals from the determination of the Zoning Officer or the Borough Engineer in the administration of any land use ordinance or provisions thereof with reference to sedimentation and erosion control and stormwater management insofar as the same relate to application for land development under Articles V and VII of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§ 10501 et seq., 10701 et seq. Where such determination relates only to development not involving an Article V or VII application, the appeal from such determination of the Zoning Officer or the Borough Engineer shall be to the Zoning Hearing Board pursuant to Subsection 1I above. Where the applicable land use ordinance vests jurisdiction for final administration of subdivision and land development applications in the planning agency, all appeals from determinations under this subsection shall be to the planning agency and all appeals from the decision of the planning agency shall be to court.
G. 
Applications for a special encroachment permit pursuant to § 405 and applications for a permit pursuant to § 406 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§ 10405, 10406.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
No person shall be allowed to file any proceeding with the Board later than 30 days after an application for development, preliminary or final, has been approved by an appropriate municipal officer, agency or body if such proceeding is designed to secure reversal or to limit the approval in any manner unless such person alleges and proves that he had no notice, knowledge, or reason to believe that such approval had been given. If such person has succeeded to his interest after such approval, he shall be bound by the knowledge of his predecessor in interest. The failure of anyone other than the landowner to appeal from an adverse decision on a tentative plan pursuant to § 709 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10709, or from an adverse decision by a Zoning Officer on a challenge to the validity of an ordinance or map pursuant to § 916.2 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10916.2, shall preclude an appeal from a final approval except in the case where the final submission substantially deviates from the approved tentative approval.
2. 
All appeals from determinations adverse to the landowners shall be filed by the landowner within 30 days after notice of the determination is issued.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Upon filing of any proceeding referred to in § 913.3 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10913.3, and during its pendency before the Board, all land development pursuant to any challenged ordinance, order or approval of the Zoning Officer or of any agency or body, and all official action thereunder, shall be stayed unless the Zoning Officer or any other appropriate agency or body certifies to the Board facts indicating that such stay would cause imminent peril to life or property, in which case the development or official action shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order, which may be granted by the Board or by the court having jurisdiction of zoning appeals, on petition, after notice to the Zoning Officer or other appropriate agency or body. When an application for development, preliminary or final, has been duly approved and proceedings designed to reverse or limit the approval are filed with the Board by persons other than the applicant, the applicant may petition the court having jurisdiction of zoning appeals to order such persons to post bond as a condition to continuing the proceedings before the Board.
2. 
After the petition is presented, the court shall hold a hearing to determine if the filing of the appeal is frivolous. At the hearing, evidence may be presented on the merits of the case. It shall be the burden of the applicant for a bond to prove the appeal is frivolous. After consideration of all evidence presented, if the court determines that the appeal is frivolous, it shall grant the petition for a bond. The right to petition the court to order the appellants to post bond may be waived by the appellee, but such waiver may be revoked by him if an appeal is taken from a final decision of the court.
3. 
The question whether or not such petition should be granted and the amount of the bond shall be within the sound discretion of the court. An order denying a petition for bond shall be interlocutory. An order directing the responding party to post a bond shall be interlocutory.
4. 
If an appeal is taken by a respondent to the petition for a bond from an order of the court dismissing a zoning appeal for refusal to post a bond and the appellate court sustains the order of the court below to post a bond, the respondent to the petition for a bond, upon motion of the petitioner and after hearing in the court having jurisdiction of zoning appeals, shall be liable for all reasonable costs, expenses and attorney fees incurred by the petitioner.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Enactment of Zoning Ordinance Amendments.
A. 
For the preparation of amendments to zoning ordinances, the procedure set forth in § 607 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10607, for the preparation of a proposed zoning ordinance shall be optional.
B. 
Before voting on the enactment of an amendment, the Borough Council shall hold a public hearing thereon, pursuant to public notice. In addition, if the proposed amendment involves a Zoning Map change, notice of said public hearing shall be conspicuously posted by the Borough at points deemed sufficient by the Borough along the tract to notify potentially interested citizens. The affected tract or area shall be posted at least one week prior to the date of the hearing.
(1) 
In addition to the requirement that notice be posted under Subsection 1B above, where the proposed amendment involves a Zoning Map change, notice of the public hearing shall be mailed by the Borough at least 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by first class mail to the addresses to which real estate tax bills are sent for all real property located within the area being rezoned, as evidenced by tax records within the possession of the Borough. The notice shall include the location, date and time of the public hearing. A good faith effort and substantial compliance shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection.
(2) 
This subsection shall not apply when the rezoning constitutes a comprehensive rezoning.
C. 
In the case of an amendment other than that prepared by the planning agency, the Borough Council shall submit each such amendment to the planning agency at least 30 days prior to the hearing on such proposed amendment to provide the planning agency an opportunity to submit recommendations.
D. 
If, after any public hearing held upon an amendment, the proposed amendment is changed substantially, or is revised, to include land previously not affected by it, the Borough Council shall hold another public hearing, pursuant to public notice, before proceeding to vote on the amendment.
E. 
If a county planning agency shall have been created for the county in which the municipality proposing the amendment is located, then at least 30 days prior to the public hearing on the amendment by the local Borough Council, the municipality shall submit the proposed amendment to the county planning agency for recommendations.
F. 
The Borough may offer a mediation option as an aid in completing proceedings authorized by this section. In exercising such an option, the Borough and mediating parties shall meet the stipulations and follow the procedures set forth in Article IX of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10901 et seq.
G. 
Within 30 days after enactment, a copy of the amendment to this chapter shall be forwarded to the county planning agency or, in counties where no planning agency exists, to the Borough Council of the county in which the municipality is located.
2. 
Private Petition. Proposals for amendment, supplement, change, or modification or repeal may also be initiated by petition by one or more owners of property to be affected by the proposed amendment. Every private application for amendment of this chapter shall first be presented to the Borough with the fee as set forth by the Borough Council by resolution, and shall contain the following, where relevant:
A. 
The applicant's name and address and his representative and the interest of every person represented in the application.
B. 
A plan showing the extent of the area to be rezoned, streets bounding and intersecting the area, land use and zoning classification of abutting districts, tax parcel numbers of the areas to be rezoned, and photographs of the area to be rezoned and abutting areas.
C. 
A statement of the circumstances in the proposed district and the abutting districts and any other factors on which the applicant relies as reasons for supporting the proposed rezoning.
D. 
Information and analysis of traffic and other impacts that may be needed by the Borough to evaluate the proposed amendment. The Borough may require any other studies or impact assessments it deems necessary in order to evaluate the proposed zoning change, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Consistency with the Borough Comprehensive Plan. The applicant must analyze the proposed change and demonstrate that it is consistent with the Borough's most current Comprehensive Plan.
(2) 
Traffic impact, addressing the pedestrian, vehicular, school bus, and truck traffic to be generated; routes to be used; access points; potential conflict points; proposed improvements, including street paving, widening, crosswalks, traffic-calming devices, signals, signs, school bus stops, delivery routes, and sidewalks or pedestrian improvements.
(3) 
Fiscal impact: considering the fiscal impact on the Borough and on the Bristol Borough School District.
(4) 
Parking impact: considering the number of new parking spaces required; their location; impact of new use of current parking supply and demand and hours of peak demand.
(5) 
Natural resources and environmental impact.
E. 
The proposed changes to the text of this chapter.
3. 
Procedure for Landowner Curative Amendments.
A. 
A landowner who desires to challenge on substantive grounds the validity of a zoning ordinance or map or any provision thereof, which prohibits or restricts the use or development of land in which he has an interest may submit a curative amendment to the Borough Council with a written request that his challenge and proposed amendment be heard and decided as provided in § 916.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10916.1. The Borough Council shall commence a hearing thereon within 60 days of the request as provided in § 916.1. The curative amendment and challenge shall be referred to the planning agency or agencies as provided in Subsection 1 of this section and notice of the hearing thereon shall be given as provided in §§ 610 and 916.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§ 10610, 10916.1.
B. 
The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with § 27-804, Subsection 8, of this chapter and all references therein to the Zoning Hearing Board shall, for purposes of this section, be references to the Borough Council: provided, however, that the provisions of §§ 27-804, Subsections 8C and K, of this chapter shall not apply and the provisions of § 916.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10916.1, shall control. If the Borough does not accept a landowner's curative amendment brought in accordance with this subsection and a court subsequently rules that the challenge has merit, the court's decision shall not result in a declaration of invalidity for the entire zoning ordinance and map, but only for those provisions which specifically relate to the landowner's curative amendment and challenge.
C. 
The Borough Council which has determined that a validity challenge has merit may accept a landowner's curative amendment, with or without revision, or may adopt an alternative amendment which will cure the challenged defects. The Borough Council shall consider the curative amendments, plans and explanatory material submitted by the landowner and shall also consider:
(1) 
The impact of the proposal upon roads, sewer facilities, water supplies, schools and other public service facilities.
(2) 
If the proposal is for a residential use, the impact of the proposal upon regional housing needs and the effectiveness of the proposal in providing housing units of a type actually available to and affordable by classes of persons otherwise unlawfully excluded by the challenged provisions of the ordinance or map.
(3) 
The suitability of the site for the intensity of use proposed by the site's soils, slopes, woodlands, wetlands, floodplains, aquifers, natural resources and other natural features.
(4) 
The impact of the proposed use on the site's soils, slopes, woodlands, wetlands, floodplains, natural resources and natural features, the degree to which these are protected or destroyed, the tolerance of the resources to development and any adverse environmental impacts.
(5) 
The impact of the proposal on the preservation of agriculture and other land uses which are essential to public health and welfare.
4. 
Procedure for Municipal Curative Amendments. If the Borough determines that its zoning ordinance or any portion thereof is substantially invalid, it shall take the following actions:
A. 
The Borough shall declare by formal action, its zoning ordinance or portions thereof substantively invalid and propose to prepare a curative amendment to overcome such invalidity. Within 30 days following such declaration and proposal the Borough Council shall:
(1) 
By resolution make specific findings setting forth the declared invalidity of this chapter which may include:
(a) 
References to specific uses which are either not permitted or not permitted in sufficient quantity.
(b) 
Reference to a class of use or uses which require revision.
(c) 
Reference to the entire ordinance which requires revisions.
(2) 
Begin to prepare and consider a curative amendment to this chapter to correct the declared invalidity.
B. 
Within 180 days from the date of the declaration and proposal, the Borough shall enact a curative amendment to validate, or reaffirm the validity of this chapter pursuant to the provisions required by Subsection 1 of this section in order to cure the declared invalidity of this chapter.
C. 
Upon the initiation of the procedures, as set forth in Subsection 4A of this section, the Borough Council shall not be required to entertain or consider any landowner's curative amendment filed under Subsection 3 of this section nor shall the Zoning Hearing Board be required to give a report requested under § 27-806 of this chapter or § 916.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10916.1, subsequent to the declaration and proposal based upon the grounds identical to or substantially similar to those specified in the resolution required by Subsection 4A(1) of this section. Upon completion of the procedures as set forth in Subsection 4A and B, no rights to a cure pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 3 of this section and § 916.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10916.1, shall, from the date of the declaration and proposal, accrue to any landowner on the basis of the substantive invalidity of the unamended zoning ordinance for which there has been a curative amendment pursuant to this section.
D. 
The Borough having utilized the procedures as set forth in Subsection 4A and B may not again utilize said procedure for a thirty-six-month period following the date of the enactment of a curative amendment, or reaffirmation of the validity of this chapter, pursuant to Subsection 4B; provided, however, if after the date of declaration and proposal there is a substantially new duty or obligation imposed upon the Borough by virtue of a change in statute or by virtue of a Pennsylvania appellate court decision, the Borough may utilize the provisions of this section to prepare a curative amendment to its ordinance to fulfill said duty or obligation.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Borough Council has established by resolution a schedule of fees and a collection procedure relating to all applications filed pertaining to this chapter.
2. 
No application shall be considered filed until all fees are paid.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
If it appears to the Borough that a violation of any zoning ordinance enacted under this act or prior enabling laws has occurred, the Borough shall initiate enforcement proceedings by sending an enforcement notice as provided in this section.
2. 
The enforcement notice shall be sent to the owner of record of the parcel on which the violation has occurred, to any person who has filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding that parcel, and to any other person requested in writing by the owner of record.
3. 
An enforcement notice shall state at least the following:
A. 
The name of the owner of record and any other person against whom the Borough intends to take action.
B. 
The location of the property in violation.
C. 
The specific violation with a description of the requirements which have not been met, citing in each instance the applicable provisions of this chapter.
D. 
The date before which the steps for compliance must be commenced and the date before which the steps must be completed.
E. 
The recipient of the notice has the right to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board within a prescribed period of time in accordance with procedures set forth in the ordinance.
F. 
Failure to comply with the notice within the time specified, unless extended by appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board, constitutes a violation, with possible sanctions clearly described.
4. 
In any appeal of an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board the Borough shall have the responsibility of presenting its evidence first.
5. 
Any filing fees paid by a party to appeal an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board shall be returned to the appealing party by the Borough if the Zoning Hearing Board, or any court in a subsequent appeal, rules in the appealing party's favor.
[Ord. 1263, 8/10/2009]
1. 
Any person, partnership or corporation who or which has violated or permitted the violation of the provisions of any zoning ordinance enacted under this act or prior enabling laws shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding commenced by the Borough, pay a judgment of not more than $500 plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Borough as a result thereof. No judgment shall commence or be imposed, levied or payable until the date of the determination of a violation by the district justice. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the judgment, the Borough may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable rules of civil procedure. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation, unless the district justice determining that there has been a violation further determines that there was a good faith basis for the person, partnership or corporation violating the ordinance to have believed that there was no such violation, in which event there shall be deemed to have been only one such violation until the fifth day following the date of the determination of a violation by the district justice and thereafter each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. All judgments, costs and reasonable attorney fees collected for the violation of zoning ordinances shall be paid over to the Borough whose ordinance has been violated.
2. 
The court of common pleas, upon petition, may grant an order of stay, upon cause shown, tolling the per diem fine pending a final adjudication of the violation and judgment.
3. 
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed or interpreted to grant to any person or entity other than the Borough the right to commence any action for enforcement pursuant to this section.