(A) The Office of Zoning Administrator is hereby established, subject to the following:
The Zoning Administrator shall have all necessary authority on behalf of the governing body to administer and enforce the zoning ordinance.
(B) Inspection warrants. The Zoning Administrator or his/her agent may present sworn testimony to a magistrate or court of competent jurisdiction and if such sworn testimony establishes probable cause that a violation of this chapter has occurred, request that the magistrate or court grant the Zoning Administrator or his/her agent an inspection warrant to enter a dwelling, structure, building or upon land for the purpose of determining whether violations of this chapter exist. The Zoning Administrator or his/her agent shall make a reasonable effort to obtain consent from the owner or tenant of the dwelling, structure, building or land before seeking the issuance of an inspection warrant under this section.
(C) Administration for the purpose of this chapter is defined to be that person who shall be the primary source of information for service to the public, explaining the zoning ordinance in detail to those who seek to take actions within the allowable limits of the ordinance, assisting with presenting proposed changes to the ordinance and assisting citizens who apply for exceptions to the ordinance.
(D) The authority to enforce the zoning ordinance includes:
(1) Enforcing this chapter and the official zoning map;
(2) Enforcing compliance on any matters arising under this chapter, including but not limited to, how a building, structure or use should be classified, explaining to the public what uses are permitted within a particular zoning district and why, whether a proposed building or structure complies with setback, height, bulk or other requirements, whether a building, structure, use or lot is nonconforming, and whether a lot meets minimum lot size requirements;
(3) Ordering in writing the remedying of any use or structure determined to be in violation of this chapter;
(4) Pursuant to VA Code § 15.2-2311, any written notice of a zoning violation or written order of the Zoning Administrator shall include a statement informing the recipient that he may have a right to appeal the notice of a zoning violation or a written order within 30 days to the Board of Zoning Appeals. A copy of all written notices shall be provided to the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors;
(5) Insuring compliance with this chapter if necessary, by initiating legal action through the County attorney, including an action for injunction, abatement, civil penalties or other appropriate action proceeding subject to appeal as provided by VA Code § 15.2-2311 and this chapter;
(6) In specific cases, making findings of fact and, with concurrence if the county attorney, conclusions of law regarding determinations of rights under VA Code §§ 15.2-2307 and 15.2-2311(C).
(Ord. passed 4-12-2016)