For the administration of a zoning ordinance, a Zoning Officer,
who shall not hold any elective office in the municipality, shall
be appointed. The Zoning Officer shall meet qualifications established
by the municipality and shall be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction
of the municipality a working knowledge of municipal zoning. The Zoning
Officer shall administer the Zoning Ordinance in accordance with its
literal terms, and shall not have the power to permit any construction
or any use or change of use which does not conform to the Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning Officers may be authorized to institute civil enforcement proceedings
as a means of enforcement when acting within the scope of their employment.
A.
The Zoning Officer shall have the duty and power to:
(1)
Keep a report of all plans and applications for permits, and
all permits issued with notations as to special conditions attached
thereto. All records shall be open for public inspection.
(2)
Review applications for permits for erections or alterations
of structures or changes of use, determine whether such construction
or use is in accordance with the general requirements of this chapter,
all other applicable Ordinances of the Township, and with the laws
and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Zoning Officer
shall issue no permit unless it conforms with all applicable ordinances,
statutes, and regulations of Cheltenham Township.
(3)
Conduct inspections and surveys to determine compliance or noncompliance
with the terms of this chapter. In carrying out such surveys, the
Zoning Officer or his or her representatives may enter upon any land
or building within the Township within the limits of law regarding
trespass and illegal search.
(4)
Make written orders requiring compliance with the provisions
of this chapter to be served personally or by registered mail.
(5)
Institute civil enforcement proceedings for the enforcement
of provisions of this chapter, when acting within the scope of his
or her employment.
(6)
Maintain a map showing the current zoning classification of
all land within the Township.
(7)
Maintain a map and register showing the registration, identity,
location, and type of all nonconforming uses within the Township.
(8)
Participate in all proceedings before the Township Zoning Hearing
Board, present facts and information to assist the Board in reaching
decisions which shall be compatible with this chapter.
[Amended 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2371-18]
A.
No permit shall be issued until the Zoning Officer has certified
that the proposed building, alteration or use complies with all the
provisions of this chapter.
B.
It shall be unlawful for any person to commence work for the erection
or alteration of any building until a permit has been duly issued
therefor.
The Zoning Officer shall require that the application for a
building permit and the accompanying plot plan, prepared by a registered
civil engineer or land surveyor, shall contain all the information
necessary to enable him/her to ascertain whether the proposed building
complies with the provisions of this chapter.
