The office of Zoning Officer of the Township of Sparta is hereby created. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Officer to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Pursuant thereto he shall investigate and inspect any alleged violations of this chapter within his knowledge or coming to his attention, sign complaints and use other lawful means to ensure compliance and to cooperate with other Township officials in the prosecution of violators.

Whenever any building or structure is erected, constructed, altered, repaired, converted, used or maintained within the Township of Sparta, it shall be the duty of the Zoning Officer to ascertain that the same is done in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and not in violation thereof and that the use of any lands and/or construction complies with the terms and conditions of any variance, subdivision, or site plan approval and with the approved plans submitted in connection therewith. If contrary thereto, it shall be the duty of the Zoning Officer to proceed with the enforcement of this chapter in the manner herein provided and as otherwise provided by law; and is hereby further authorized and empowered to institute and maintain any further statutory legal actions and proceedings for the enforcement hereof now existing or heretofore or hereafter provided which may be available to him.

Search Warrants. In the enforcement of this chapter, the Zoning Officer may apply to the Judge of the Municipal Court of Sparta Township for a warrant or warrants to search and inspect the properties and premises upon which he has reason to believe a violation of the chapter has or is taking place, and upon probable cause shown, the Judge may issue such warrant or warrants in the manner authorized by law. The information obtained pursuant thereto shall be admissible as evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction for the purposes of proving any case brought for violation of this chapter.