Purpose. To ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter, no person shall erect, alter or convert any structure or building or part thereof nor alter the use of any land subsequent to the adoption of this chapter until a building permit has been issued by the Zoning Officer or his designee.

Application for permits. All such applications shall be made in a manner prescribed in the Building Code of the Borough of Harrington Park and shall be accompanied by plans in triplicate, drawn to scale, showing the location, shape and dimensions of the lot, the location of and existing and intended use of each building or part thereof, the height thereof, the number of dwelling units and square feet of space, the amount and location of off-street parking and loading and other data as may be required by ordinance. The applicant shall also give such other pertinent information respecting the proposed use of property and any other information as may be necessary to determine the propriety of the issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy.

Issuance of permits. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Officer or his designee to issue a building permit, provided that he is satisfied that the structure, building, sign, parking area and the proposed use conform to all requirements of this chapter and that all other reviews and action, if any, called for in this or any other ordinance and other municipal, county and state requirements have been complied with and all necessary approvals secured therefor. All building permits shall be issued in duplicate, and one copy shall be kept conspicuously on the premises affected and protected from the weather whenever construction work is being performed thereon. No owner, contractor, workman or other person shall perform any building operations of any kind unless a building permit covering such operation has been displayed as required by this chapter, nor shall he perform building operations of any kind after notification of the revocation of said building permit.

Denial of permits. When the Zoning Officer or his designee is not satisfied that the applicant's proposed development will meet the requirements of this chapter, he shall state on the application the reason for denial and shall refuse to issue a building permit, and the applicant may appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a reversal of the Zoning Officer's decision.

Revocation of permits. If it shall appear at any time to the Zoning Officer or his designee that the application or accompanying plan is in any respect false or misleading or that work is being done upon the premises differing from that called for in the applications filed with him under existing laws or ordinances, he may forthwith revoke the building permit, whereupon it shall be the duty of the person holding the same to surrender it and all copies thereof to said Zoning Officer. After the building permit has been revoked, the Zoning Officer may, in his discretion, before issuing the new building permit, require the applicant to file an indemnity bond in favor of the Borough of Harrington Park with sufficient surety conditioned for compliance with this chapter and all laws and ordinances then in force and in a sum sufficient to cover the cost of removing the building or structure if it does not so comply.

For new uses.

For existing uses. Upon written request from the owner, tenant, occupant or purchaser under contract, the Zoning Officer or other designated official, after inspection, shall issue an certificate of occupancy for a use legally existing at the time this chapter is made effective certifying the extent and kind of use and whether any such existing use conforms to the provisions of this chapter. No change or extension of use and no alterations shall be made in a nonconforming use of premises without an certificate of occupancy having first been issued by the Zoning Officer or other designated official stating that such change, extension or alteration is in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.[1]

Change of use. No owner, tenant or other person shall use or occupy any building or structure thereafter erected or altered, the use of which shall be changed after the passage of this chapter, without first procuring an certificate of occupancy, provided that an certificate of occupancy, once granted, shall continue in effect so long as there is no change of use or other conditions regardless of change in tenancy or occupancy.[2]

Zoning permit required. No structure shall hereafter be erected, nor land used, nor change made in the use of any land or structure, nor sign painted on any structure unless the owner, his agent or contractor shall first obtain a zoning permit from the Zoning Officer of the Borough of Harrington Park. A fee as provided in Borough Fee Schedule shall be charged for a zoning permit. No fee shall be charged if the application is denied and/or referred to the Planning Board.

Filing of plans.

Unless a certificate of occupancy is issued for the structure covered by the zoning permit within one year from the date of the issuance of said permit, the permit shall automatically lapse. Application may, however, be made for the renewal of the permit for an additional period of 90 days only, with the approval of the Mayor and Council.[2]