Receive and examine all applications for zoning permits.

Issue permits only for construction and uses which are specified in this chapter.

Record and file all applications for permits with any accompanying plans and documents.

Make such reports as the Board of Supervisors may specify.

With the approval of the Board of Supervisors or when directed by them, institute in the name of the Township any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent the unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, to restrain, correct or abate such violation so as to prevent the occupancy or use of any building, structure or land or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises.

To revoke, by order, a zoning permit issued under a mistake of fact or contrary to the law or the provisions of this chapter.

To order and require the abatement forthwith or otherwise of a violation of the provisions of this chapter.

Conduct inspections and surveys to determine compliance or noncompliance with the terms of this chapter.

Maintain a map showing the current zoning classifications of all land.

Receive and forward to the Zoning Hearing Board all applications for special exceptions or variances to the terms of this chapter.

Enforcement notices. If it appears to the Township that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the Township shall initiate enforcement proceedings by sending an enforcement notice as provided herein. The enforcement notice shall be sent to the owner of record of the parcel on which the violation has occurred, to any person who has filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding that parcel and to any other person requested, in writing, by the owner of record. The enforcement notice shall state at least the following:

The erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, addition or enlargement of any building or structure including patios, decks and porches.

Any use or change in use or occupancy of a nonresidential property.

Altering, regrading, filling or clearing of vegetation in any of the following areas: floodplain soils abutting the Delaware River, ponds, wetlands, waters of the commonwealth, steep slopes or woodlands.

Statement as to the proposed use of the building or land.

A site layout showing the location, dimensions and height of proposed buildings or uses and any existing buildings in relation to property and street lines.

The location, size, arrangement and capacity of all areas to be used for motor vehicles access, off-street parking, off-street loading and unloading and provisions to be made for lighting such areas.

The location, dimensions and arrangements of all open spaces, yards and buffer yards, including methods to be employed for any required screening.

Provisions to be made for treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial wastes, water supply and storm drainage.

Wherever the topography and vegetation are to be disturbed, a plan for the control of erosion and sediment and grading is required. It shall be unlawful to pave, fill, strip or change the existing grade of any land without first obtaining a grading permit and complying with Chapter 116, Grading and Excavation; and it shall be unlawful to disturb, modify, divert, block or affect the natural overland or subsurface flow of stormwater within the Township without first securing a zoning and building permit.

A building permit shall be required prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, razing or enlargement of any building, other structure or portion thereof. It shall be unlawful for any person to commence work for the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, razing or enlargement of any building structure or portion thereof until a building permit has been duly issued.

All building shall be in compliance with applicable Township building codes, as duly adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

Permits within historic districts. For any erection, alteration or enlargement of any building or other structure, or portion thereof within the historic district, the permit application shall be reviewed by the Historic Architectural Review Board prior to the issuance of a permit in accordance with historic district provisions attached as an appendix to this chapter.[1] Permits shall be issued only after the Board of Supervisors has approved a certificate of appropriateness.

No structure erected, reconstructed, extended or moved, and no land or building changed in use for which a building permit has been issued shall be occupied or used in whole or in part for any use whatsoever until the owner or authorized agent has been issued a certificate of occupancy by the Zoning Officer, indicating that the building or use complies with terms of the this chapter and Chapter 87, Building Construction.

No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the premises in question have been inspected and found by the Zoning Officer to be in compliance with this chapter and the Township Building Codes.

The issuance of a certificate of occupancy in no way absolves the owner or authorized agent from compliance with the intent of this chapter.

All applications for certificates of occupancy shall be made, in writing, by the owner or authorized agent on a form supplied by the Zoning Officer at the time of application for a zoning and building permit.

A certificate of occupancy shall become void 90 days from the date of issuance unless occupancy, use or change of use is commenced.