1. Requirements for zoning permits. No person, firm or corporation shall hereinafter build, enlarge or alter, or change use of, any structure, building and lot, or part thereof, or move any building or structure from one place to another in the township without first having obtained a written zoning permit therefor from the Zoning Officer of the township, and shall be issued simultaneously with the required building permit. This Chapter shall not prohibit the altering of the interior of any existing building.
2. Application for permits. Application for permits, including temporary permits, shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer on such forms as shall be furnished by the township. Such application shall include building and plot plans of a satisfactory nature in duplicate and shall contain all information necessary for such official to ascertain whether the proposed erection, alteration, use or change in use complies with the provisions of this Chapter. No permit shall be considered complete or permanently effective until the Zoning Officer has certified that the zoning use and work meet all the requirements of the applicable codes and ordinances. The applicant shall submit such application at least 15 days prior to the contemplated beginning of alteration or enlargement. A fee will be charged to applicant for these zoning permits and building permits.
3. Issuance of permits.
A. No zoning permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of this Chapter, except after written order from the Zoning Hearing Board or the courts, and without first obtaining a sewage permit in accordance with Chapter 18, a floodplain permit if applicable as provided in Chapter 8, and be in full compliance with Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances, and all other state statutes and regulations. A true and correct copy of all such approvals shall be attached to the zoning application. In addition to the zoning permit, the Zoning Officer shall issue a placard which shall be displayed on the premises during the time construction is in process. This placard shall show the number of the zoning permit, the date of its issuance, a description or the construction authorized and bear the signature of the Zoning Officer.
B. Permits shall be granted or refused within 30 days after the date of application and acceptance of same. In case of refusal, the applicant shall be informed of his or her right to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. Such refusal shall be in writing and state upon which Section or Sections of this Chapter such refusal is based.
C. During the construction period, the Zoning Officer shall inspect the premises to determine that the work is progressing in compliance with the information provided on the zoning permit and its application, and with all other applicable township and state laws. He or she shall make as many inspections as necessary to determine this compliance.
D. The Zoning Officer may revoke a zoning permit at any time if it appears that the application or accompanying plan is in any material respect false or misleading, or that work being done upon the premises differs materially from that called for in the application and permits. In such case, the person holding the permit shall immediately surrender it to the Zoning Officer. A report of such revocation shall also be submitted to the Township Board of Supervisors for whatever action it may deem necessary.
E. All issued permits shall be public records and filed for public inspection at the Township Offices within a reasonable time after being issued, but no later than three working days.
4. Expiration of permits. No permit for the erection, razing, change, alteration or removal of buildings shall be valid or effective after six months from the date of issuance thereof and shall thereafter be void, unless the work authorized by such permit shall have been substantially commenced within six months from the date of issuance and proceeded with due diligence. If, however, the applicant has been delayed in proceeding with the work for which the permit was granted by reason of any reasonable cause not due to his or her own negligence, the permit may be renewed without additional cost to the applicant.
5. Temporary permits. A temporary permit may be authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception for a nonconforming structure or use which it deems beneficial to the public health or general welfare, or which it deems necessary to promote the proper development of the community; provided, that such nonconforming structure or use shall be completely removed upon expiration of the permit without cost to the township. Such a permit shall be issued for a specific period of time, not exceeding six calendar months, and may be renewed for an aggregate period of not more than two years.
6. Sign permits.
A. A sign as specified in this Chapter shall require a permit prior to the erection or alteration of any sign.
B. Application for permit shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer, and shall contain all information necessary for such officer to determine whether the proposed sign, or other proposed alterations, conform to all the requirements of this Chapter.
C. Permits shall be granted or refused within 30 days from date of application.
D. No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of this Chapter, except after written order from the Zoning Hearing Board or the courts.
E. All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by plans or diagrams in duplicate and approximately to scale, showing the following:
(1) Exact dimensions of lot or building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected;
(2) Exact size, dimensions and location of the said sign on lot or building; and
(3) Any other lawful information which may be required of applicant by the Zoning Officer. One copy of said plan or diagram shall be returned to the applicant after the Zoning Officer shall have marked such copy either approved or disapproved, and attested to same.
(Ord. 1983-2B, passed 4-30-1984; Ord. 1989-1, passed - -; Ord. 1991-6, passed 4-29-1991)