Receive all applications for zoning permits; issue permits when there is compliance with the provisions of this chapter, other Borough ordinances, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247 of 1968, as amended.[1] Upon issuance of a zoning permit, the Zoning Officer shall notify the Bucks County Board of Assessment.

Inspect the lands and buildings built or altered under this chapter to ensure that they comply with the provisions of this chapter and, upon satisfactory completion of said inspection, issue a use and occupancy permit.

Receive applications for special exceptions and refer these applications to the Zoning Hearing Board for action thereon.

Following refusal of a zoning permit, receive any appeals for interpretation from alleged error of the Zoning Officer and any appeals for variances from the terms of this chapter and forward these to the Zoning Hearing Board for action thereon.

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

Order, in writing, correction of all conditions found to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Such written orders shall be served personally or by registered mail upon persons deemed by the Zoning Officer to be violating the terms of this chapter.

Issue stop, cease and desist orders, in writing, to persons deemed by the Zoning Officer to be in flagrant violation of this chapter, to be in violation of this chapter such that it creates an unsafe condition or to have ignored previous written orders for correction of violations.

Institute, with the approval of the Borough Council, proceedings in courts of proper jurisdiction for the enforcement of this chapter.

Keep a permanent record of all plans, applications for permits and all permits issued, with a notation as to all special conditions attached thereto.

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

Prepare and maintain the list of nonconforming uses as prescribed by § 160-115F and as directed by the Planning Commission; issue nonconforming use permits in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Upon the request of the Mayor, Borough Council, Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board, present facts, records or any similar information to assist such individuals or bodies in reaching a decision.

The Zoning Officer shall have the authority to issue permits only for construction and uses which are in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. Construction and uses which require special exception or variance shall be issued zoning permits only on order of the Zoning Hearing Board.

The Zoning Officer shall issue no permits for the construction or use of any land and buildings unless it conforms to all Borough ordinances, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, as amended.[2]

All plans and data required by the Building Code[1] and, when applicable, all plans and data required by Chapter 135, Subdivision and Land Development.

A general description of the proposed work, its location and the use and occupancy of all parts of all buildings, structures and lots.

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 or uses and any existing buildings in relation to property and street lines.

The location, dimensions and arrangements of all open spaces and yards. Buffer yards and methods to be employed for screening shall be included where applicable.

The number, location, design and construction standards of parking spaces and loading spaces, if applicable.

In the case of any Industrial District or use application, a description of the operations proposed in sufficient detail to indicate the effects of those operations in producing noise, glare, vibration, air pollution, fire and safety hazards or the emission of any potentially harmful or obnoxious matter.

Engineering details and/or any other information deemed necessary by the Code Enforcement Officer to ascertain whether an application complies with the provision of this chapter.

If the specifications set forth by the applicant in the application for a building permit are in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, the Building Code and all other applicable statutes, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a permit. If the application or the plans do not conform, he shall reject such application, in writing, stating the reasons therefor, and shall immediately thereupon mail notice of such refusal to the applicant at the address indicated on the application. The Code Enforcement Officer shall grant or deny the permit not later than 10 days following application, but in cases of special exception or land development where further proceedings are necessary, such proceedings shall be completed first. The Code Enforcement Officer shall attach his signature to all applications.

Except on written order of the Zoning Hearing Board authorizing a variance, no building permit shall be issued for any structure where said erection, construction, reconstruction, extension, moving, razing or use thereof would be in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Moreover, any permit issued in error shall in no case be construed as waiving any provisions of this chapter.

An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned six months after the date of filing unless work in connection with such application has been diligently prosecuted or a certificate of use and occupancy shall have been issued; except that, for reasonable cause, the Code Enforcement Officer may grant one or more extensions of time without payment for additional periods not exceeding 90 days, not to exceed an aggregate of three years.

The Code Enforcement Officer may revoke a permit or approval issued under the provisions of this chapter in case of any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or on the plans on which the permit or approval was based.

In cases where a building permit is required, all certificates of use and occupancy shall be applied for coincident with the application for the building permit. The certificate shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer until such time as the building in question shall have been approved as complying with the provisions of this chapter. Upon completion of changes in use or construction, reconstruction, alteration or moving of a building, the applicant shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer of such completion.

A use and occupancy permit shall be granted or refused within 10 days after the Code Enforcement Officer has been so notified. No zoning permit shall be considered as complete or as permanently effective until the Code Enforcement Officer has noted on the permit that the work or occupancy and use has been inspected and approved as being in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

In cases involving establishment of a use on land or a change of use on land or within a structure, application for a certificate of use and occupancy alone shall suffice. The Code Enforcement Officer shall grant or deny such use within 10 days following application, except in cases of special exception where further proceedings are necessary.

In any case, if a permit is denied, the Code Enforcement Officer shall state, in writing, the cause for such denial to the applicant.