All permits, certificates and stop orders required by this title shall be issued by the zoning administrator, who shall be the administrative and enforcing officer of the provisions of this title, and he or she shall have the authority to make all decisions and investigations necessary to properly carry out the provisions of this title. The zoning administrator shall determine whether a use is similar to those uses listed, unless his or her decision be reversed by the planning commission. No required permit, certificate or order shall be issued by him or her if in his or her judgment the requirements of this title have not been met. No oversight of dereliction on the part of the zoning administrator or his authorized assistants or on the part of any official or employee of the municipality shall legalize or authorize the violation of any of the provisions of this title.

(Ord. 411 (part), 1991; Ord. 322 § 8.1, 1991)

The zoning administrator, or any duly authorized deputy inspector, shall, if possible, first secure permission of the occupant before entering upon any premises for the purpose of making inspections and necessary to the conduct of his or her duties in the administration and enforcement of this title.

(Ord. 411 (part), 1991; Ord. 322 § 8.2, 1991)

Permits shall be secured from the zoning administrator prior to the construction, moving, conversion, extension, enlargement or structural alteration of buildings or other structures.

A.

Application Forms. Application for a zoning permit shall be made to the zoning administrator on forms provided for that purpose.

B.

Issuance. If, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, the proposal as set forth in the application is in conformity with the provisions of this title, the zoning administrator shall issue a zoning permit.

C.

Disapproval. If, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, the proposal as set forth in the application is not in conformance with the provisions of this title, the zoning administrator shall refuse to issue a zoning permit. If an application for a zoning permit is not approved, the zoning administrator shall state in writing on the application the reason for such disapproval.

D.

Null and Void Permits. Any permit issued in violation of any of the provisions of this title shall be null and void and may not be construed as waiving any provision of this title. Any zoning permit issued under the provisions of this title shall be valid for one year. If no construction has started within the one-year limit, then said zoning permit shall be null and void.

E.

Zoning permit applications for the construction of projects with any affordable housing included in the proposal for deed restricted units under one hundred (100) percent AMI for homeownership or under sixty (60) percent AMI for rentals shall be expedited through the review process and a final decision rendered by the town and a building permit issued in accordance with Section 15.12 within ninety (90) days of a complete development application being received. An applicant can opt out of expedited review by notifying the town at the time of the application.

(Ord. 411 (part), 1991; Ord. 322 § 8.3, 1991)

(Ord. No. 559, § 2, 7-7-2025)

Whenever any building work is being done contrary to the provisions of this title, or land or structures are being used contrary to this title, the zoning administrator shall order the work or use stopped by notice in writing served on any person engaged in doing or causing such work to be done or such use to be continued, and any such person and all others engaged in doing or causing such work to be done or such use to be use to be continued shall forthwith stop such work or use until authorized by the zoning administrator to proceed with the work or continue the use.

(Ord. 411 (part), 1991; Ord. 322 § 8.4, 1991)

Any person denied a permit, certificate, or issued a stop order, when noncompliance with this title is the grounds for such action, or any other person or public official may appeal such action of the zoning administrator to the zoning board of adjustment within thirty (30) days from the date of such action by the zoning administrator.

(Ord. 411 (part), 1991; Ord. 322 § 8.5, 1991)