Enforcement. Upon determining that a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter exists, the Zoning Officer must serve notice on the person committing or permitting the same that a violation of this chapter exists and must be abated within 10 days or such other time that the Zoning Officer deems appropriate under the circumstances, not to exceed 30 days. Notice shall be in writing and be sent by ordinary and certified mail, return receipt requested. The Zoning Officer may, in lieu of mailed notice, give personal notice by delivery to the owner and/or occupier of the premises. If the violation is not abated within the time set by the Zoning Officer, he should refer the matter to the Solicitor for assistance in taking appropriate action. This may include directing the Zoning Officer to file an appropriate civil or criminal summary action before the local magisterial district judge or such civil actions in law or equity as deemed necessary to enforce the provisions of the chapter.
Enforcement notice.
(1) If it appears to the Township that a violation of this article has occurred, the Township shall initiate enforcement proceedings by sending an enforcement notice as provided in this section.
(2) The enforcement notice shall be sent to the owner of record of the parcel on which the violation has occurred, to any person who has filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding that parcel, and to any other person requested in writing by the owner of record.
(3) An enforcement notice shall state at least the following:
(a) The name of the owner of record and any other person against whom the Township intends to take action.
(b) The location of the property in question.
(c) The specific violation with a description of the requirements that have not been met, citing in each instance the applicable provisions of this chapter.
(d) The date before which the steps for compliance must be commenced and the date before which the steps must be completed.
(e) The recipient of the notice has the right to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board within a period of 10 days from receipt thereof by filing a notice of appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board.
(f) 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.
(4) In an appeal of an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board, the Township shall have the responsibility of presenting its evidence first.
(5) Any filing fee paid by a party to appeal an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board shall be returned to the appealing party by the Township if the Zoning Hearing Board or any court in a subsequent appeal rules in the appealing party's favor.
H. Records.
(1) The Zoning Officer must keep a record of:
(a) All applications for building permits; use certificates; special exceptions, variances and appeals and all actions taken on them, together with any conditions imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board.
(b) All complaints of violations of provisions of this chapter and the action taken on them.
(c) All plans submitted.
(d) Nonconforming uses and nonconforming structures.
(2) All such records and plans shall be available for public inspection.
I. Reports. At requested intervals, the Zoning Officer must report to the Board of Commissioners:
(1) The number of building permits and use certificates issued.
(2) The number of complaints of violations received and the action taken on these complaints.
