
107.
PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES.
A. Applicability.
Any of the following activities or any other activity regulated by this Zoning
Ordinance shall only be carried out after receipt of a Borough permit (except
as stated below) and any additional required Borough approval after the
applicant shows compliance with this Zoning Ordinance:
1. Erection, construction, movement, placement or extension of a structure, building or sign;
a. See Section 703 which lists signs not required to have a Borough permit.
b. Storage sheds of less than 50 square feet of floor area are not required to have a Borough permit.2. Change of the type of use or expansion of the use of a structure or area of land;
3. Creation of a lot or alteration of lot lines; and/or
4. Creation of a new use.a. A Borough permit is specifically required for any home occupation.
B. Types of Uses.
1. Permitted by Right Uses. This type of use may be granted zoning approval by the Zoning Officer if all requirements of this Zoning Ordinance are met.
2. Application Requiring a Variance. This type of use shall require a written approval by the Zoning Hearing Board.
3. Conditional Use. This type of use shall require a written zoning approval by the Borough Council, after the Planning Commission has been given an opportunity to review the application.
C. Applications.
1. Any request for a decision, interpretation or variance by the Zoning Hearing Board or for a permit under this Zoning Ordinance shall be made in writing on a form provided by the Borough.
a. The completed application, with any required fees, and with any required site plans or other required information, shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer or other Borough employee responsible for processing the application. The date of receipt should be noted on the application.
2. When a site plan is required, at least two copies shall be submitted. The site plan shall be drawn to scale. A site plan shall be required for: any new building, building addition, parking lot and where the Zoning Officer determines that a site plan is needed to determine compliance with this Zoning Ordinance.
3. Except as provided for in part "5." below, any application to the Zoning Officer or Zoning Hearing Board shall include the following information, unless the Zoning Officer determines that a site plan or such information is unnecessary to determine compliance with this Ordinance:a. The location and dimensions of the lot,
b. Locations, dimensions and uses of existing and proposed structures, parking and loading areas, and locations of existing and proposed uses of areas of land,
c. Name and address of the applicant, or appellant,
d. Name and address of the owner of the affected property (if different from the applicant),
e. A description of the proposed use of the property,
f. Such additional information that the Zoning Officer may determine is reasonably necessary to determine compliance with this Zoning Ordinance
g. The locations of any trees or forested areas with a trunk diameter of six inches or greater measured 4.5 feet above the average surrounding ground level that may be impacted in any way by the proposal (with trees identified with a trunk diameter over 18 inches), and
h. All other applicable information listed on the official Borough application form.4. Submittal to the Board. In addition to the information listed in part "3." above, an application requiring a site plan and action by the Zoning Hearing Board shall also include the following information, unless the Zoning Officer determines that such information is unnecessary for determination of whether the proposal complies with this Zoning Ordinance:
a. The present zoning district and major applicable lot requirements,
b. A description of any proposed non-residential operations and storage in sufficient detail to indicate potential nuisances and hazards regarding noise, large truck traffic, glare, odors, dust, fire or toxic or explosive hazards or other significant public health and safety hazards,
c. If a non-residential use is proposed close to dwellings, a description of hours of operation,
d. A listing of any sections of this Zoning Ordinance being appealed, with the reasons for the appeal.5. Porches and Accessory Buildings. For the construction of a porch or an accessory building of less than 250 square feet, the applicant shall only be required to submit evidence that the structure: a) will meet the setback requirements of this Zoning Ordinance, and b) will not intrude into the an existing septic system location or an officially designated alternate septic system location.
6. Other Laws. The Zoning Officer may withhold issuance of a permit under this Zoning Ordinance if there is clear knowledge by the Zoning Officer that a use would violate another Borough, State or Federal law or regulation, until such time as the applicant proves compliance.
7. Ownership. No person other than a landowner or their specifically authorized agent or a tenant or lessee with written permission of the landowner shall submit a zoning application (see definition of "landowner" in Article II).
8. The Zoning Officer may submit a copy of any plan and application to any appropriate agencies and individuals (such as the Planning Commission or Borough Engineer) for review and comment.
D. Issuance of Permit.
1. At least three copies of any permit required under this Zoning Ordinance shall be made. One copy of the permit shall be retained in Borough files and one copy shall be retained by the applicant. A copy of the permit shall be shown by the applicant to the Zoning Officer upon the Zoning Officer's request.
2. Posting. The applicant shall post a copy of the permit at a conspicuous location visible from a street while work is underway.
3. Where applicable, a State Highway Occupancy Permit shall be required prior to issuance of a Borough Building Permit.
E. Revocation of Permits. The Zoning Officer shall revoke a permit or approval issued under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in case of:
1. False statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or on the plans on which the permit or approval was based (The Pennsylvania Criminal Code provides for penalties for providing false information to a municipal employee in the carrying out of his/her duties.)
2. Any work being accomplished or use of land or structures in such a way that does not comply with this Zoning Ordinance or an approved site plan or approved permit application or a condition imposed as part of a special exception, conditional use or variance approval.
3. For any other just cause set forth in this Zoning Ordinance.
4. For violation of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
F. Temporary Permit. A temporary permit may be issued by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception for temporary commercial special events or temporary structures or uses subject to the following additional provisions:
1. Duration. The Zoning Hearing Board shall establish a limit on the duration of the use. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant a single approval once for numerous occurrences of an event.
2. Fee. Either the Zoning Hearing Board or the Borough Council may waive and/or return the required application fee if the applicant is an Internal Revenue Service recognized and well-established nonprofit organization, and the applicant clearly shows that the proposed use is temporary and will be used to clearly primarily serve a charitable or public service purpose.
3. Nonprofit. Only a well-established and Internal Revenue Service recognized nonprofit organization proposing a temporary use to clearly primarily serve a charitable or public service purpose shall be eligible to receive approval for a commercial use in a district where that use is not permitted.
G. Changes to Approved Plans.
1. After the issuance of a permit or approval of a site plan under this Zoning Ordinance by the Borough, the approved application or site plan shall not be changed without the written consent of the Zoning Officer.
2. Changes to a site plan approved by the Borough Council as a conditional use shall require re-approval of the changes by the Borough Council if the Zoning Officer determines that the changes significantly affect matters that were within their approval. The approval by the Borough Council is not required for minor technical adjustments or corrections of information that do not affect the significant features of the site plan and the intensity of the use, as determined by the Zoning Officer.
1. Its own motion; or
2. Upon agreeing to hear a written request of any person, entity or the Planning Commission.
B. Review of Ordinance Amendments.
1. For a proposed amendment that was not prepared at the direction of the Planning Commission, the Borough Council shall submit each the amendment to the Planning Commission at least 30 days prior to the hearing on the proposed amendment and permit the Planning Commission an opportunity to provide recommendations.
2. County Review. The Borough shall submit the proposed amendment to the Schuylkill County Planning Commission for recommendations at least 30 days prior to the hearing on the proposed amendment. No action shall be taken by the Borough Council until County comments are received, unless 30 days pass without comments being received.
C.
Application for Amendment. A request for amendment of the Zoning Ordinance
shall be in writing. A request by a property-owner or developer shall state in
writing the reasons for the request.
D. Notification of Proposed Zoning Map Amendment. If a zoning map
amendment is requested by a private entity and is not considered at the same
public hearing as zoning map amendments proposed by Borough officials, then at
least 10 days prior to the hearing on the proposed change, the applicant shall
send or have delivered in person written notice of the proposed change
including the hearing date and time and a Borough official to contact for more
information. The notice shall be provided to all owners of record of all
property proposed to be rezoned (other than the applicant) and all property
directly abutting the land to be rezoned.
1. Rules. The Zoning Hearing Board may make, alter, and rescind rules and forms for its procedure, consistent with all applicable Borough ordinances and State law. The Zoning Hearing Board shall elect officers for annual or bi-annual terms from its own membership.
2. Quorum. For the conduct of any hearing and taking of any action a quorum shall be not less than a majority of all members of the Zoning Hearing Board, except within the hearing officer process established by the PA. Municipalities Planning Code.
3. Alternate Members. Alternate members may be appointed within the provisions of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code.
E. Zoning Hearing Board Functions. The Zoning Hearing Board shall be responsible for the following:
1. Appeal of a Decision by the Zoning Officer.a. The Zoning Hearing Board shall hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant (a person affected or any agency of the Borough) that the Zoning Officer has failed to follow prescribed procedures, or has misinterpreted or misapplied any valid provision of this Zoning Ordinance.2. Challenge to the Validity of the Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Map.
b. See time limitations for appeals in Section 111.F.a. The Zoning Hearing Board shall hear challenges to the validity of this Zoning Ordinance filed with the Zoning Hearing Board in writing by the landowner affected, any officer or agency of the Borough, or any person aggrieved.3. Variance.
b. After the conclusion of the hearing(s), the Zoning Hearing Board shall decide all questions and shall make findings on all relevant issues of fact, within the time limits of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code.a. The Zoning Hearing Board shall hear requests for variances filed with the Zoning Hearing Board in writing by any landowner (or any tenant with the permission of the landowner).4. Special Exception. Where special exceptions are to be considered as specified by Borough Council in this Zoning Ordinance, the Board shall grant or deny special exceptions pursuant to express standards and criteria as detailed in Article V in addition to any other applicable regulations listed in this Zoning Ordinance. In granting a special exception, the Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards, in addition to those expressed in this Zoning Ordinance, as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance.
b. Standards. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant a variance only within the limitations of State law. (As of 1993, the PA. Municipalities Planning Code provided that all of the following findings must be made, where relevant:i) There are unique physical circumstances or conditions (including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property) and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located;c. In granting any variance, the Zoning Hearing Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance.
ii) Because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property;
iii) Such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant;
iv) The variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare; and
v) The variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification possible of the regulation in issue.
d. The Zoning Hearing Board may also grant a variance for a physical improvement needed to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
5. Hearings. See Section 112.
6. Records and Reports. The staff to the Zoning Hearing Board shall keep full public records of its business.
7. Court Appeals. In the case of an appeal from the Zoning Hearing Board to the Court of Common Pleas, the Appellant shall make the return required by law.
F. Time Limitations for Appeals. The time limitations for appeals shall be as follows:
1. No person shall be allowed to file any appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board later than 30 days after the decision by the Zoning Officer that is being appealed has been officially issued, or appeal with the County Court of Common Pleas later than 30 days after a decision of the Zoning Hearing Board has been officially issued, except as may be provided under Section 914.1 of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code.
2. The failure of an aggrieved person other than the landowner to appeal an adverse decision directly related to a preliminary subdivision or land development plan shall preclude an appeal from a final plan approval except in the case where the final submission substantially deviates from the approved preliminary plan.
3. This 30 day time limit for appeals shall not apply to the revocation of a permit under Section 107.F.
G.
Stay of Proceedings. See Section 916 of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code.
H. Time Limitations on Permits and Variances.
1. After a variance is approved or approval is officially authorized under this Zoning Ordinance, then a permit shall be secured by the applicant within 12 months after the date of approval or authorization. Action under the permit shall then begin within 12 months of the issuance of the permit.
2. Borough Approvals. If the applicant submits complete plans for a required site plan review or subdivision or land development approval or conditional use approval that is related to the variance or issuance of a permit under this Zoning Ordinance within the above time limits, then the time limits shall begin after the plan review is completed or the plan approval is granted.
3. Federal or State Approvals. If an application requires a Federal or State permit or approval, than the time limits of this Section may apply from the date of issuance or approval, provided that: a) the applicant applied for permit or approval prior to or within 60 days after applying for Borough approval, and b) the applicant continues to diligently seek approval or permit.
4. For good cause the Zoning Officer may, upon application in writing stating the reasons therefore, extend in writing the time periods in this Section.
5. If an applicant fails to obtain the necessary permits within the above time period, or falls to diligently commence substantial construction within the above time period or allows interruptions in substantial construction of longer than six months, it shall be conclusively presumed that the applicant has waived, withdrawn or abandoned the approval, and all approvals, variances and permits shall become null and void.
1. Receive and examine all applications required by this Zoning Ordinance, and issue or refuse permits within this Zoning Ordinance;
2. Receive complaints of violation of this Zoning Ordinance, and enforce the Zoning Ordinance within the provisions established by the PA. Municipalities Planning Code;
3. Maintain records of applications, permits, variances, written decisions and interpretations issued and of complaints received, of official reports rendered, and of legal notices;
4. Perform all other duties called for in this Zoning Ordinance; and
5. Not permit any activity which does not conform to this Zoning Ordinance.
A. Notice of Hearings. Notice of all hearings of the Zoning Hearing Board shall be given as follows:1. Ad. Public notice shall be published, as defined by Section 107 of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code. The notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered.
2. Posting. Notice of the hearing shall be conspicuously posted on the affected tract of land at least one week prior to the hearing. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the notice is posted and remains posted until the hearing.
3. Persons Given Notice. Written notice shall be given to the Applicant and the Zoning Officer. Notice should be given to the Planning Commission, Borough Council and owners of record of property abutting and directly across the street from the lot lines of the subject property. Also, notice shall be given to any other person or group (including civic or community organizations) who has made a written timely request for notice. Any notices should be mailed or delivered by a Borough representative to the last address known to the Borough. The notice should be intended to be received at least five days prior to the hearing date.
4. Adjacent Municipalities. In any matter which relates to a property which lies within 250 feet of the boundary of another municipality, and which the Borough staff determines may have a significant impact on that municipality, the Borough staff should transmit to the offices of the adjacent municipality a copy of the official notice of the public hearing on the matter at least seven days prior to the hearing date. Representatives of the adjacent municipality shall have the right to appear and be heard at the public hearing.
5. Fees. The Borough Council may, by resolution, establish a reasonable fee schedule, based on cost, to be paid by: a) the Applicant for any notice required by this Zoning Ordinance; and b) those persons requesting any notice not required by this Zoning Ordinance.
B. Parties in Hearings. The
parties to a hearing shall be the Borough, any person affected by the
application who has made timely appearance of record before the Zoning Hearing
Board, and any other person including civic or community organizations
permitted to appear by the Zoning Hearing Board.
C. Oaths and Subpoenas. The chair of the Zoning Hearing Board or Hearing
Officer shall have power to administer oaths and issue subpoenas to compel the
attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant documents and papers,
including witnesses and documents reasonably needed by and requested by the
parties.
D. Representation by Counsel. The parties shall have the right to be
represented by legal counsel and shall be afforded the opportunity to respond
and present evidence and argument and cross-examine adverse witnesses on
relevant issues.
E. Evidence and Record. Formal rules of evidence shall not apply, but
irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded. The
Zoning Hearing Board or the Hearing Officer, as applicable, shall keep a record
of the proceedings as required by State law.
F. Communications Outside of Hearings.
1. The Zoning Hearing Board shall not meet with, visit the site with or directly communicate specifically on the matter with the applicant or any officially protesting party or their representatives in connection with any issue involved, except if opportunity is provided for the applicant and any officially protesting party to participate.
2. The Zoning Hearing Board shall not take notice of any communication, reports, staff memoranda, or other materials unless the parties are afforded an opportunity to examine and contest the material so noticed. This restriction shall not apply to advice from the Zoning Hearing Board's solicitor.
G. Advisory Reviews. The Zoning
Hearing Board may request that the Planning Commission, County Conservation
District, Borough Staff, Borough Engineer or other professional provide an
advisory review on any matter before the Zoning Hearing Board.
H. Initiation of Hearings. A hearing required under this Zoning
Ordinance shall be initiated within 60 days of the date of an applicant's
submittal of a complete application, unless the applicant has agreed in writing
to an extension of time.
I. Decision/Findings.
1. The Zoning Hearing Board shall render a written decision or make written findings (when no decision is called for) on each application within 45 days after the last hearing on that application before the Zoning Hearing Board, unless the applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time.
2. Where the application is contested or denied, the decision should include findings of fact and conclusions based thereon, together with the reasons for such conclusions. Any conclusion based on any provision of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code or of this Zoning Ordinance should contain a reference to the provision relied on.
J. Notice of Decision. A copy of the final decision or a copy of the findings (when no decision is called for), shall be personally delivered or mailed to the applicant or his or her representative or their last known address not later than the time limit established by Section 908 of the PA. Municipalities Planning Code.
1. Any expansion of more than 1,000 square feet in floor area of a principal non-residential building.
2. Any new principal non-residential building.
3. Any new or expanded paved area of greater than 2,500 square feet.
B. Site Plan Procedures. The following procedures shall be followed for any use required to be reviewed under this Section:
1. Submission. A minimum of three complete copies of any required site plan shall be submitted to the Borough. Such site plan shall meet the information requirements listed in Section 116.C. The Zoning Officer shall refuse to accept an application if it does not contain sufficient information to determine compliance with this Zoning Ordinance. A minimum of one copy shall be retained in Borough files. The Zoning Officer may request a review by the Borough Engineer if engineering matters are involved.
2. If earth disturbance is involved, a soil and erosion control plan shall be submitted to the Borough and the County Conservation District.
3. Time. The Planning Commission and Borough Council shall be given an opportunity to review the site plan and provide any advisory comments in writing to the Zoning Officer within the time limit stated in Section 116.B.4. below.
4. The Zoning Officer shall review the site plan and determine its compliance with this Zoning Ordinance, based upon his review and any comments of the Borough Council and Planning Commission. The Zoning Officer shall make such determination within 90 days after the first scheduled Planning Commission regular meeting after the receipt of a complete site plan submission, unless the applicant grants a written time extension.
5. A Site Plan under this Section may be reviewed at any legally advertised, regular or workshop meeting of the Borough Council and Planning Commission.
C. Submittal Requirements. The following site plan submittal requirements shall not apply to a general home occupation. A required Site Plan shall include the following information, unless for information waived by the Zoning Officer as not applicable or necessary:
1. A statement describing the proposed use.
2. Layout. A site layout drawn to scale (1"=50') showing the location, dimensions and area of each lot; the location, dimensions and height of proposed and any existing structures; the required setback areas; the proposed density of residential uses; the location and width of proposed or abutting streets; and the proposed areas to be used for different purposes within the development, including outdoor storage or display areas. If the plan involves one phase of what eventually may be a larger development, then the interrelationships of those phases shall be shown.
3.* Landscaping. The width of any buffer yard and the heights, spacing and general species of plants to be used for screening. General numbers, locations and types of required landscaping to be provided.
4.* Parking. The locations and numbers of parking spaces; the location and widths of aisles; the location and sizes of off-street loading areas. The method of calculating the off-street parking requirement, based upon Section 601.
5.* Lighting and Signs. The height, location and general type of exterior lighting. The sign area, height, location and general method of lighting of signs.
6. Utilities. Note stating general proposed method of providing wastewater treatment and water supply (such as "Public Water and Public Sewage Services").
7. Nuisances and Safety. A description of any proposed industrial or commercial operations or storage in sufficient detail to indicate potential nuisances and hazards regarding noise, large trucks, glare, odors, dust, fire or toxic or explosive hazards or other hazards to the public health and safety; together with proposed methods to control such hazards and nuisances.
8.* Grading and Stormwater. Proposed and existing contours if earth disturbance is proposed. Identification of any slopes between 15 percent and 25 percent and greater than 25 percent proposed to be impacted. Proposed method of managing stormwater runoff. See steep slope provisions in Section 505. Delineation of any floodplains from the Official Federal Floodplain Maps.
9. A location map showing the relation of the project to surrounding streets. Approximate lot lines of abutting lots within 50 feet of the project, with identification of abutting land uses.
10. Zoning district and major applicable requirements.
11. Name and address of the person who prepared the Site Plan, the applicant and the owner of record of the land.
12. Such other data or information as the Zoning Officer deems is reasonably necessary to determine compliance with Borough ordinances.
* This information is not required on a zoning site plan if such information will be submitted on a subdivision or land development plan for the use.
1. A conditional use submission shall not be considered officially accepted for review until any needed zoning variances that are directly relevant to the site layout and nature of the use is granted. The applicant may request an informal review by the Planning Commission of a site plan prior to requesting variances or a special exception.
2. Submission. A minimum of three complete copies of any required site plan shall be submitted to the Borough. The Zoning Officer shall refuse to accept an incomplete application which does not provide sufficient information to determine compliance with this Zoning Ordinance. See Section 104 concerning fees. For review fees for a solid waste use, see Section 402.
3. Erosion Control. If earth disturbance is involved, the applicant shall submit a soil and erosion control plan to the Borough and the County Conservation District, unless such review will occur under the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
4. Borough Distribution. The Borough shall distribute copies of the site plan to the Planning Commission and the Borough Council. A minimum of one copy shall be retained in the Borough files. The Borough Fire Services should be given an opportunity for a review, if deemed appropriate by the Zoning Officer.
5. Zoning Officer Review. The Zoning Officer shall report in writing or in person to the Planning Commission or Borough Council stating whether the proposal complies with this Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Officer may request a review by the Borough Engineer.
6. Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall be given an opportunity to review the conditional use application and submit a recommendation to the Borough Council.
7. The Borough Council shall not act to approve or deny a conditional use application unless: a) the Borough Council have received the reports of the Zoning Officer and the Planning Commission; or b) unless a period of 60 days has passed from the date of the application.
8. The Borough Council shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the conditional use submission. In granting a conditional use, the Borough Council may require such reasonable conditions and safeguards (in addition to those expressed in this Zoning Ordinance) as it determines are necessary to implement the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance.
9. The decision of the Borough Council shall be in writing and shall be directly communicated to, delivered to or mailed to the last known address of the applicant or their representative.
10. Subdivsion and Land Development Ordinance. If an applicant requests, the conditional use application shall be reviewed during the same process as a land development or subdivision application.
C. Approval of a Conditional Use. The standards of this Section 117.C. shall not apply to a General Home Occupation. The Borough Council shall approve any proposed conditional use if they find adequate evidence that the proposed use will:
1. Meet any specific standards for the proposed use listed in Sections 402 or 403.
2. Meet other applicable sections of this Zoning Ordinance.
3. Be in general conformance with the requirements of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as applicable. Actual approval under the Subdivsion and Land Development Ordinance may occur separately from the conditional use approval if the applicant requests.
4. Meet all of the following standards:a. Other Laws. Will not clearly be in conflict with other Borough Ordinances or State or Federal laws or regulations known to the Borough.
b. Traffic. Will not result in or significantly add to a traffic hazard or significant traffic congestion.
c. Safety. The applicant shall show that the use will not create a significant public safety hazard, including fire, toxic or explosive hazards.
d. Storm Water Management. Will follow adequate, professionally accepted engineering methods to manage storm water. Stormwater shall not be a criteria of a decision under this Zoning Ordinance if the application clearly would be subject to a separate engineering review and an approval of storm water management by the Borough Council under the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
e. Neighborhood. Will not significantly negatively affect the desirable character of an existing or approved residential neighborhood, such as causing heavy truck traffic through a residential neighborhood, or a significant odor or noise nuisance or very late night or early morning hours of operation.
f. Site Planning. Will involve adequate site design methods, including plant screening and setbacks as needed to avoid significant negative impacts on adjacent uses.
g. Performance Standards. Will not have a serious threat of inability to comply with the performance standards of this Zoning Ordinance, as stated in Article V.
Schuylkill Haven Home Page •
Schuylkill
Haven Zoning Ordinance Table of Contents
Article
I:
Administration
Click on name of section to navigate directly to the section
Sections 110 - 118
110 - Zoning Officer
111 - Zoning Hearing Board Actions, Special Exceptions, and Variances
112 - Board Hearings and Decisions
113 - Appeals
114 - Public Utility Exemptions
115 - Borough Limited Exemptions
116 - Site Plan review Procedures for Certain Uses
117 - Conditional Use Process
118 - Liability
Article
I:
Administration
Click on name of section to navigate directly to the section
Sections 101 - 109
101 - Purposes and Objectives
102 - Applicability of this Ordinance
103 - Enforcement, Violations and Penalties
104 - Filing Costs and Fees
105 - Interpretation and Similar Uses
106 - General Procedures for Permits
107 - Permits and Certificates
108 - Amendments to this Zoning Ordinance
109- Curative Amendments
101. PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES.
1. The name of the owner of record and any other person against whom the Borough of Schuylkill Haven intends to take action.D. Causes of Action. In case any building, structure, landscaping or land is, or is proposed to be, erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, converted, maintained or used in violation of this Zoning Ordinance, the Zoning Officer, or any aggrieved owner or tenant of real property who shows that his property or person will be substantially affected by the alleged violation, in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, restrain, correct or abate such building, structure, landscaping or land, or to prevent, in or about such premises, any act, conduct, business or use constituting a violation.
2. The location of the property in violation.
3. The specific violation with a description of the requirements which have not been met, citing in each instance the applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance.
4. The date before which the steps for compliance must be commenced and the date before which the steps must be completed.
5. That the recipient of the notice has the right to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board within a prescribed period of time in accordance with procedures set forth in Section 111.
6. That failure to comply with the notice within the time specified, unless extended by appeal to the zoning hearing board, constitutes a violation, with possible sanctions clearly described.
asons for a refusal shall then be stated in
writing. See
Section 111 concerning appeals of a decision by the Zoning Officer.
B. Thirty Day Challenge Period. It is recommended that applicants wait
30 days to begin construction if there is a possibility of an appeal by
another party to have the permit revoked. Any commencement of construction or
a use within this 30 day appeal period shall be at the risk of the applicant.
When any such action is instituted by a landowner or tenant, notice of that action shall be served upon the Borough of Schuylkill Haven at least 30 days prior to the time the action is begun by serving a copy of the complaint on the Borough Council. No such action may be maintained until such notice has been given.
This Zoning Ordinance is hereby adopted: 1) in accordance with the requirements
and purposes (including Section 604 or its successor section, which is included by reference) of
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended; 2) in accordance
with the community development goals and objectives (which are included by
reference) of the Borough of Schuylkill Haven Comprehensive Plan (as may be
amended), which constitutes an overall program; 3) in consideration of the
character of the Borough, its various parts and the suitability of the various
parts for particular uses and structures, and 4) to assist in carrying out the
purposes and provisions of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
(especially Article I, Section 27), the PA. Floodplain Management Act, PA.
Storm Water Management Act, PA. DEP regulations on erosion and sedimentation
control and other relevant Federal and State laws, regulations, official
policies and relevant Court decisions.