[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township
of Polk as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
[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.
(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.
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.
