[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Polk as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Supervisors' compensation — See Ch. 66.
Building Official — See Ch. 170.
[Adopted 12-8-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-04]
There has previously been created a position of "Zoning Enforcement Officer." By this article, the position of "Code Enforcement Officer" is created. Said offices by this article are combined under one job description entitled "Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer," which shall have certain duties and responsibilities, outlined in the job description set forth herein.
The Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall be appointed at the annual reorganization meeting of the Township, and he or she shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors and be an "at will" employee. The individual appointed to the position shall have demonstrated that relevant education or experience has qualified such individual to meet the standards defined in the job description included herein.
The Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall support the policy making role of the Supervisors by providing them with the information necessary to thoroughly evaluate available options when problems and issues arise concerning the ordinances of the Township, developing options and providing a recommended course of action.
The Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall be responsible to, and take direction from, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, who shall report periodically to the Board of Supervisors on the effectiveness and efficiency of the employee. The Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall report to the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors at least weekly.
Compensation for the position of Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall be fixed annually by the Board of Supervisors and shall be commensurate with the abilities of the individual appointed to the office. Hours shall be set by the Board of Supervisors, in its discretion. A Township vehicle will ordinarily be provided but in the event that it is unavailable, reimbursement for mileage on the individual's vehicle to perform Township business shall be paid at the rate set annually for all Township personnel.
A. 
This is a highly responsible position involving the monitoring of activity in the Township, and the enforcement of all zoning ordinances and property use codes, with the exception of building codes, which are enforced by the Building Official, as required. The employee is responsible for securing the issuance of all required permits, conducting periodic inspections of the Township for possible code and zoning violations, and submitting monthly reports for the purpose of filing information with the Monroe County Tax Assessment Office, the United States Census Bureau, the Polk Township Real Estate Tax Collector, and for generally keeping the Board of Supervisors informed about land development within the Township, and efforts to enforce Township ordinances. Assignments are subject to supervision and review by the Board of Supervisors.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
B. 
Duties.
(1) 
At least once every calendar week, reviews all permit applications submitted to the Township. If applications are satisfactory, issues permits. If applications are unsatisfactory, issues letters of denial in a timely fashion. Renders decision based on conformance with applicable ordinances.
(2) 
Reviews and performs compliance review, including payment of fees, of all subdivision and land development plans, and prepares a written report to the Planning Commission.
(3) 
Administers submission of all plans under the SALDO.
(4) 
Conducts an at least monthly drive-by inspection of Township properties, visually inspecting for unlawful construction or violation of any applicable ordinances. Findings are to be recorded in a written log, and a copy of same submitted to the Secretary.
(5) 
Issues citations and notices of violations to persons found in violation of Township ordinances, and appears at the Magisterial District Judge's office on behalf of the Township.
(6) 
Maintains records and office space, in a professional manner; prepares timely reports and conducts correspondence. Submits monthly report to Supervisors prior to monthly meeting concerning totals of permits issued, by type, and progress on ongoing ordinance violations. Reports monthly to Monroe County Assessment Office on building permits issued, submitting copies to the Monroe County Conservation District, the Census Bureau, the Real Estate Tax Collector.
(7) 
Maintains satisfactory relations with the public, presenting a neat, pleasant appearance in dealing with residents and other applicants.
(8) 
Performs other related work as required or as directed by the Board of Supervisors.
(9) 
Reports any unusual situations pertaining to zoning or code enforcement to the Board of Supervisors.
(10) 
Administer all applications for zoning permits, including applications for conditional use approval, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[1] and Township ordinances.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(11) 
When appropriate, to issue notices of violation to property owners with respect to any zoning ordinance violations, to follow up and attempt to procure compliance with all applicable ordinances, and in the absence of such compliance, to initiate and prosecute appropriate proceedings before the Magisterial District Judge.
(12) 
Intake and process citizen complaints with respect to ordinance violations, and to provide information when requested in response to citizen inquiries with regard to zoning and other procedures.
(13) 
To enforce and administer ordinances of the Township requiring the issuance of permits, or providing for the imposition of a civil or criminal penalty in the event of violation.
(14) 
To keep apprised of any activity within the Township which would constitute any violation of Township ordinances, and to promptly act upon such violation.
(15) 
To maintain appropriate records with regard to permits issued, violation notices issued, inspection reports, citizen complaints and inquiries, and other matters pertaining to the duties of the office.
(16) 
To attend one meeting of the Board of Supervisors monthly as specified by the Board, and to report to the Supervisors in a summary form of the activities of the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer over the preceding thirty-day period.
(17) 
To fulfill any and all other responsibilities as are set forth in the ordinances of the Township and the Municipalities Planning Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
A. 
Knowledge and abilities:
(1) 
Thorough knowledge of Township ordinances and state laws dealing with zoning and development.
(2) 
Ability to ascertain violations of Township ordinances.
(3) 
Ability to understand, follow and convey complex oral and written information.
(4) 
Ability to maintain routine records and prepare reports concerning the work.
(5) 
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, elected officials, private agencies, contractors and the public.
(6) 
Ability to utilize applicable computer programs, and familiarity with standard computer word-processing software.
B. 
Experience and training:
(1) 
High school diploma or the equivalent.
(2) 
Within one year, completion of approved code enforcement officer training classes, as offered by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Association, the Local Government Academy, or the equivalent.