1. Whenever the proposed activity, whether new construction or alternation of an existing use, requires a building permit under Chapter 52, Building Construction, the applications for the zoning use permit and zoning occupancy permit shall be made prior to or simultaneously with the application for the building permit. However, the building permit shall not be issued until the zoning use permit has been granted.
2. When no building permit is required, the application for the zoning use permit and zoning occupancy permit may be made at any time prior to the use or occupancy of the structure or land.
3. Permit applications shall be submitted in writing on such forms as established by the Township. The Zoning Officer may request any information necessary to determine the application’s compliance with this Chapter. The applicant shall include four (4) copies of the following information:
(a) A statement as to the proposed use of the building or land.
(b) A site layout drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions and height of proposed building, structures, or uses and any existing buildings in relation to property and street lines. If the application relates to property scheduled to be developed in successive stages, such plans shall show the relationship of the portion scheduled for initial development to the proposed layout of the entire property.
(c) The location, dimensions and arrangements of all open spaces, yards and bufferyards, including methods to be employed for screening.
(d) The location, size, arrangement and capacity of all areas to be used for motor vehicle access, off-street parking, off-street loading and unloading, and provisions to be made for lighting such areas.
(e) The dimensions, location and methods of illumination for signs, if applicable.
(f) The location and dimensions of sidewalks and all other areas to be devoted pedestrian use.
(g) Provisions to be made for treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial wastes, water supply and storm drainage.
(h) The capacity and arrangement of all building used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, including the proposed density in terms of number of dwelling units per acre of land.
(i) A description of any proposed industrial or commercial operations in sufficient detail to indicate effects of those operations in producing noise, glare, air pollution, water pollution, fire hazards, traffic congestion or other safety hazards.
(j) Description of methods to be employed in controlling any excess noise, air pollution, smoke, fumes, water pollution, fire hazards or other safety hazards.
(k) Any other data deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer, Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors to enable them to determine the compliance of the proposed development with the terms of this chapter.
(l) The permit application requirements of this subsection may be waived where the same are deemed unnecessary for evaluation of the application by the Zoning Officer.
4. The Zoning Officer shall not issue the zoning use permit or zoning occupancy permit unless the property complies with this Chapter 52, Building Construction, Chapter 152, Property Maintenance Code, Chapter 174, Subdivision and Land Development, and all other applicable Township, County, State and Federal laws, ordinances and regulations, and until all other required approvals and permits have been obtained from applicable Township, County, State and Federal agencies, including, but not limited to a PennDOT highway occupancy permit. The applicant shall submit copies of all such required approvals and permits to the Zoning Officer.
5. Where approvals are not required by other Township agencies or governmental entities, the Zoning Officer shall review and approve or disapprove the application. However, the Zoning Officer may seek the advice and recommendations of the Planning Commission on any application.
6. An application for a zoning use permit does not permit occupancy. A zoning occupancy permit is also required. Under certain circumstances, application for any approval of a zoning use permit and zoning occupancy permit may be combined.
7. Upon completion of the work, the applicant shall notify the Zoning Officer who shall examine the building, structure or use of land involved. If the Zoning Officer shall find that such construction, erection, structural alteration or use of building and land has been completed in accordance with the provision of this Chapter and other applicable ordinances, the zoning occupancy permit shall be issued.
8. As a condition to the issuance of any zoning use permit or zoning occupancy permit, a landowner shall permit the Zoning Officer to inspect both the exterior and interior of the property, as deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer. Any failure or refusal to permit such inspection shall result in denial of any application for zoning use permit or zoning occupancy permit.
9. The Township shall not issue a no-lien letter in connection with the sale of any property in the Township unless and until either the proposed buyer or proposed seller has applied for and obtained a zoning occupancy permit in connection with the sale of the property.
10. No permit for any use or construction which will involve the on-site disposal of sewage or waste and no permit for a change in use or an alteration which will result in an increased volume of sewage or waste to be disposed of on the site shall be issued until a certificate of approval has been issued by the Allegheny County Department of Health and conforms to all applicable Township regulations.
11. A decision either approving or disapproving an application for a zoning permit shall be rendered within thirty (30) days after the application is filed. Any disapproval of the application shall contain a brief explanation setting forth the reasons for the disapproval and the manner in which the application can be corrected and/or modified to obtain the required approval.
