BOROUGH OF PEN ARGYL
Date: October 7, 2013 Job Title: Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer
Department: Zoning & Codes Status: Regular, Full time
Supervisor: Manager
Position Summary: The Zoning & Codes Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcement and application of established Zoning, Land Development and
Subdivision Ordinances, Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance as well as the
Property Maintenance Code. The office also monitors all building activity in the
Borough and ensures that the appropriate permits are issued for work performed.
In addition, the Zoning/Code Officer is responsible the oversight, narratives, agendas, minutes and meeting packets for the Planning Commission and Zoning
Hearing Board.
Duties:
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Responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of all zoning and code enforcement ordinances as well as the subdivision and land development ordinance.
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Accepts and reviews zoning and building permit applications. Determines compliance with the provisions of the zoning ordinance and completeness of applications. After application reviews, notifies applicants in writing of zoning permit decisions.
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Issues the appropriate land-use permits when all provisions of the ordinance are in compliance and maintains a complete file of permits issued. Notifies applicants in writing when the proposed uses are not in compliance with ordinance standards, and assists with appropriate alternative procedures, appeals, or any other administrative remedies necessary to attain compliance.
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Provides all necessary documentation to Zoning Hearing Board for appeals of zoning permit denials. Ensures that all advertisements, notifications and postings are made in compliance with legal requirements.
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Reviews incoming subdivision and land development applications for compliance and completeness. Initiates Plans & Appeals agreements.
Forwards applications to appropriate agencies and professionals. Maintains
MPC time clock and applicant fields. Field inquiry calls as needed.
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Works closely with Borough Engineer to ensure timely review of land development or subdivision applications.
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Assists Borough residents and general public with questions and concerns regarding ordinances and permit process.

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Administers the Code Office; applies construction skill and expertise and acquired certifications, licenses, and educational training in the building construction area to review, permit and inspect building activities within the
Borough.
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Reviews all documentation, engineering drawings, insurance requirements and related information prior to permitting a job.
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Observes and inspects construction activity, including materials, methods, and safety practices, interfacing as needed with property owners, contractors, and the public in order to gain compliance with Borough ordinances and codes.
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Enforces Property Maintenance Code and ordinances. Follows up on enforcement complaints.
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Performs weekly periodic inspections throughout Pen Argyl Borough for possible violations of any ordinances or codes. If violations are discovered, to take appropriate legal measures, including but not limited to issuance of warning notices and filing of enforcement actions. Provide weekly reports to
Borough Manager on all such policing activities.
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Performs inspection duties to ensure land use changes are in compliance with the zoning ordinance.
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Issues citations for code violations when necessary.
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To appear before District Justice on behalf of the Borough to prosecute all actions filed as a result of ordinance or code violations.
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Identifies inventories and monitors nonconforming uses.
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Conducts technical reviews, site inspections, and makes staff reports on specific project proposals such as, but not limited to, special use permit applications, conditional use permit applications, zoning amendments, variances and appeals.
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Investigates alleged violations of the ordinance and advises land owners/applicants of necessary corrective measures. Keeps an inventory of said violations including dated photographs and/or other evidence.
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Develops recommendations regarding zoning amendments, zoning permit fee structure, zoning forms and may propose solutions to any problem encountered in administering the zoning ordinance.
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Prepares, publishes, posts, sends and/or delivers public notices for meetings and zoning hearings as required by the MPC.
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Prepares Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board agendas, narratives, minutes and meeting packets. Represents Borough at evening
Council, Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board meetings.
Informs applicant of Board’s decision. Distributes minutes accordingly.
With the cooperation of the Planning Commission Chairperson, prepares the
Annual Report of the Planning Commission.
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Oversee the recording of development and subdivision plats at the
Northampton County Courthouse. Notify applicant of status.

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Oversee the maintenance and coordination of the Residential Rental License program. Schedule and make inspections to determine the condition of all structures and premises. Notify property owner of status.
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To submit accurate written and/or electronic monthly reports for the purpose of filing information with the Northampton County Tax assessor’s office, the United States Census Bureau, the Borough of Pen Argyl Tax
Collector and to keep the Borough Council informed about development within the Borough.
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Type correspondence, reports and/or permits as needed.
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Other duties which may be assigned, including but not limited to assisting other departments within the Borough as needed.
Essential Functions: Maintain a positive public service attitude at all times. Ability to pay close attention to details and have excellent organizational skills. Ability to prioritize and schedule work load appropriately to meet deadlines. Be punctual and maintain regular attendance at work. Ability to work independently with little supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, residents, general public, developers and land owners. Courteously and promptly answer resident questions or address resident concerns. Advertise meetings as required by the Borough Code. Attend evening meetings as required.
Maintain accurate property files. Keep Borough Manager and Borough Council informed on zoning and planning activities as well as new business openings.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Borough codes and ordinances, and state laws dealing with building and development. Ability to detect code and ordinance violations. Ability to prepare regular and special reports.
Ability to maintain hard copy records and files. Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, nuisance, maintenance, noise, building, health, safety and welfare with impartiality and efficiency. Ability to understand legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property.
Ability to analyze and compile technical information on ordinance and code investigations and violations. Ability to prepare cases for prosecution and to testify in Court. Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing. Skill in solving problems with irate persons. Skill in using general office equipment such as copier and fax machine
Skill in taking photographs. Working knowledge of Microsoft
®
Suite of products, including Word, Excel and Internet Explorer. The ability to learn and utilize specific software for the issuing of building permits, etc. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, elected officials, private agencies, contractors and the public. Ability to read and write at a college level.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate equipment and tools in various weather conditions. Ability and willingness to work in potentially adverse weather conditions. Ability and willingness to work in areas that may expose employee to

noxious weeks like poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak and to insect bites and stings. Ability to move objects weighing twenty-five pounds from one location to another. Ability to walk, sit, stoop, stand and climb in a variety of conditions including cramped conditions and uneven or undeveloped land sites. Ability to focus visually on objects at close range, to see colors accurately and with proper depth perception. Ability to operate an automobile. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial driver’s license before employment and for the duration of employment in this position. Attend training as determined by the Borough
Manager.
Minimum Qualifications: Must possess a valid PA driver’s license. Be a Certified
Code Official (29) and Building Inspector (15) as outlined by the UCC, or be willing to complete requirements within six (6) months of hire date. A high school diploma all applicable zoning certifications and three to five years related experience and/or training.