(A) This chapter shall be administered and enforced by a Zoning Administrator or his or her representative who may be, or is appointed by, the Town Manager and is hereby empowered to:
(1) Issue a zoning permit in writing when these regulations have been followed or to refuse to issue the same in the event of noncompliance. Written notice of such refusal and reason therefore shall be given to the applicant;
(2) Collect the designated fees as set forth in this chapter for zoning permits, fees for specials uses, variances and appeals, or any other fee that may be specified within this chapter;
(3) Make and keep all records necessary and appropriate to the office, including records of the issuance and denial of all zoning permits, receipt of complaints of violation of this chapter, and action taken on same;
(4) Inspect any buildings or land to determine whether any violations of this chapter have been committed or exist;
(5) Enforce this chapter and take all necessary steps to remedy any condition found in violation by ordering in writing the discontinuance of illegal uses or illegal work in progress, and to institute injunction, mandamus or other appropriate action; and
(6) Keep the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Adjustment advised of all matters other than routine duties pertaining to the enforcement of this chapter and transmit all applications and records pertaining to permits, appeals, special uses, and variances as needed.
(B) No staff member shall make a final decision on an administrative decision required by this chapter if the outcome of that decision would have a direct, substantial and readily identifiable financial impact on the staff member or if the applicant or other person subject to that decision is a person with whom the staff member has a close familial, business, or other associational relationship. If a staff member has conflict of interest under G.S. § 160D-109, the decision shall be assigned to the supervisor of the staff person or such other staff person as may be designated.
(C) No staff member shall have a financial interest or be employed by a business that is financially interested in a development subject to regulation under this chapter unless the staff member is the owner of the land or building involved. No staff member or other individual or an employee of a company contracting with a local government to provide staff support shall engage in any work that is inconsistent with his or her duties or with the interest of the local government, as determined by the local government.
(Ord. passed 2-20-2012; Ord. passed 3-17-2014; Ord. passed - -2022)