There shall be a Town Planner, who shall be appointed by the
Town Manager, and who shall report to the Town Manager. The Town Planner
shall assist applicants proceeding before the Planning Board to assure
that the proceedings are efficient and thorough. The Town Planner
shall have the authority to make administrative subdivision review
and approval and shall have such other authority as provided by statute
and ordinance.
There shall be a Zoning Official, who shall be appointed by
the Town Manager, and who shall report to the Town Manager. The Zoning
Official shall be responsible for zoning determinations, conducting
investigations to ascertain compliance with Zoning Ordinances and
to recommend actions to enforce the same to the Town Manager.
There shall be a Property Maintenance Code Official, who shall
be appointed by the Town Manager, and who shall report to the Town
Manager. The Property Maintenance Code Official shall review all concerns
raised by individuals and the public relating to the condition and
habitability of buildings and structures used for human habitation.
He shall have the authority to conduct investigations and inspections
to ascertain compliance with the State of Rhode Island Property Maintenance
Code and such other statutes and ordinances establishing minimum conditions
permitting habitability and to recommend actions to enforce the same
to the Town Manager.
There shall be a Building Official and such other inspectors
as may be required, who shall be appointed by the Manager, and who
shall report to the Town Manager. The Building Official shall review
all concerns raised by Town officials and the public relating to the
compliance of buildings and structures and accessory uses, whether
residential or otherwise, with the statutes of the State of Rhode
Island, codes and ordinances of the Town of Westerly and, whenever
necessary, to recommend actions to enforce the same to the Town Manager.
It shall be the duty of the Building Official to:
(a)
Issue all building and other such permits in accordance with
ordinances passed by the Council.
(b)
Maintain a record of all business transacted by him in the course
of his duties and to turn over to the Director of Finance forthwith
all fees collected by said office.
(c)
Act as the Fence Viewer for the Town.
(d)
Have charge of the enforcement of building and such other ordinance
relating thereto as may be ordained by the Council and to institute
legal proceedings, both civil and criminal on behalf of the Town for
violation of building, plumbing, drainage, electrical, and other similar
ordinances or until such time as other inspectors are established
by ordinance.