Receive and examine all applications for zoning permits.

Issue permits or certificates only where there is compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, with other municipal ordinances, and with the laws of the Commonwealth and the Federal government. Permits for construction of uses requiring a special exception or variance shall be issued only upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board. Permits requiring approval by the governing body shall be issued only after receipt of approval from the governing body.

Record and file all applications for zoning permits with accompanying plans and documents. All applications, plans and documents shall be a public record.

Receive applications for special exceptions and variances and forward these applications and all pertinent information to the Zoning Hearing Board for action thereon.

Receive applications for conditional uses, curative amendments and zoning changes, forwarding requests and all pertinent information to the governing body, the Planning Commission, and other appropriate agencies.

Following refusal of a permit, to receive applications for interpretation appeals and variances. These applications and all pertinent information will then be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board for action thereon.

Conduct inspections to determine compliance or noncompliance with the terms of this Chapter.

Institute civil enforcement proceedings in accordance with §§27-1303 and 27-1304 of this Chapter.

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

Revoke any order or zoning permit issued under a mistake of fact or contrary to the law or the provisions of this Chapter.

Maintain a map or maps showing the current zoning classification of all land in the municipality.

Process zoning permit applications for all permitted uses. For the following uses on lots greater than three acres and/or greater than 5,000 square feet, the Zoning Officer may receive and submit the application and plan, for a zoning review to the Planning Commission for its review and comment. The Planning Commission may review the plans and materials and may request the Township Engineer to review such plans for compliance with the provisions of Part 5, “Design Standards,” and Part 6, “Required Improvements” of the Richland Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], as well as any other provisions and regulations of this Chapter or other Township ordinances and regulations. If the proposed use will generate 100 or more trips per day as determined through the use of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Trip Generation Report, a traffic impact study shall be submitted in accordance with the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22]. Upon receipt of the Township Engineer’s comments, the Planning Commission shall make final review and submit its recommendations to the governing body.

A statement as to the proposed use of the building or land.

A site layout drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of proposed buildings, structures or uses and any existing buildings in relation to property lines and street lines. If the application relates to property scheduled to be developed in successive stages, such plans shall show the relationship of the portion scheduled for initial development to the proposed layout of the entire property.

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

The site layout shall indicate all existing trees which are to be saved, the tree protection zone boundary, and the method by which tree protection will occur.

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

For signs, the information specified in §27-914.1.B of this Chapter shall be provided.

The location and dimensions of sidewalks and all other areas to be devoted to pedestrian use.

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

The capacity and arrangement of all buildings used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, including the proposed density in terms of number of dwelling units per acre of land.

A description of any proposed industrial or commercial operations in sufficient detail to indicate effects of those operations in producing noise, glare, air pollution, water pollution, fire hazards, traffic congestion or other safety hazards.

Description of methods to be employed in controlling any excess noise, glare, pollution, smoke, fumes, water pollution, fire hazards, traffic congestion, or other safety hazards.

Any other data deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer, Planning Commission or governing body to enable them to determine the compliance of the proposed development with the terms of this Chapter.

Owner of record.

Location of all buildings, foundations, walls, ruins, historic trees and any other features on the location.

Approximate age of the main structure or resource.

Interior and exterior photographs of the buildings to be taken by the owner at the Township’s expense for film and development or by the Township with the permission of the owner after the site to be demolished is vacated. Photographs of the landscape to be taken by the owner at the Township’s expense for film and development or by the Township with the permission of the owner after the site to be demolished is vacated.

Explanation of the reasons for demolition.

Future proposed uses of the site.

What will be done with the materials from the demolished resource.

Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as an attempt to prevent any owner from demolishing any structures; rather, the Township is attempting to acquire information on impending demolition of structures that have real or potential historical significance of Township nature. The information acquired is for the sole purpose of making entreaties to said owners, acquiring grants or other voluntary means to prevent the demolition.