Any change of occupancy or ownership of an existing business or commercial use shall not occur without first obtaining a zoning compliance permit from the Jefferson Township Zoning Officer. The use, erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or alteration of a structure or building shall not occur without first obtaining a zoning compliance permit from the Jefferson Township Zoning Officer.

The Zoning Officer is to determine whether or not the proposed occupancy is in compliance with zoning ordinances and any previous site plan approvals or other approvals granted by agencies of the Township of Jefferson. In making a determination of compliance, the Zoning Officer shall consider:

In determining compliance, the Zoning Officer shall refer any application to the Department of Health and the Fire Marshal and, if deemed necessary, the Construction Code Official for review and recommendation.

If the Zoning Officer determines that the change of occupancy may require site plan approval, the application will be denied and referred to the Land Use Board. At the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Land Use Board, the Land Use Board shall decide whether or not site plan approval is necessary. If the Land Use Board determines that site plan approval is necessary, the applicant shall file that application. If the Zoning Officer determines that a variance may be needed, the Zoning Officer will refer the application to the Land Use Board, and the Land Use Board, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, will determine if a variance is required.

Every application for a zoning compliance permit shall require a fee of $50.

For any and every violation of this article, the violator shall be subject to the penalties applicable to any other zoning violation. Every violation that continues shall be considered as a separate violation for each day of continuance.