Zoning & Codes Enforcement Officer
Gene Kennelley - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All work done in the Borough of Jersey Shore requires a permit before work can begin. Please click here for the Zoning and Property Improvement Application.
The Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer is responsible for the review and issuance of all zoning permits as well as inspecting work done under a zoning permit including, but not limited to, land development, subdivision, setbacks, and lot size, as well as enforcing certain Borough Ordinances and Codes as required by the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).
It is noted that permits are required for everything except painting, wall coverings, and floor coverings. Residents are required to complete an application form prior to a permit being issued. Payment for applications is required to be submitted with the application before the application can be processed. If payment is not received, the application will not be processed. Work may not begin until a permit is issued. The Zoning Officer shall have 30 days after receipt of a completed application to issue or deny the permit.
To make an appointment, please contact Gene Kennelley at the Borough Office by calling 570-398-0104.
The Borough Code can be found at http://www.ecode360.com/JE2703.
Dumpster Permit
If you require a dumpster, and the dumpster must be placed on the street, a dumpster permit is required. The permit is required forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the dumpster being placed on the street. The permit is only valid for forty-eight (48) hours unless an extension is obtained from the Borough Manager. Other requirements regarding reflective devices, orange cones, and lanterns are also necessary. The cost of the dumpster permit is $10, which is non-refundable. Please see the dumpster permit application for more information on requirements and safety regulations or contact the Borough Office.
Please contact Ashley at 570-398-0104 for any questions or more information.
Zoning & Building Permits
A building permit is required if you intend to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a residential building, or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing system or swimming pool regulated by the Uniform Construction Code. Please see the Central Keystone Council of Governments pamphlet for more information.
PA Labor and Industries Uniform Construction Code
Summary of the Permitting Process:
- Visit or call your local Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer will ask "What are you going to do and where are you going to do it?" Then, he will explain the requirements (codes/ordinances) regarding your project. The initial contact will provide the resources and information you will need to make your project a success and avoid the potential problems that could cost you time and money.
- Submit application. The permit application requires information about your construction project. You will be asked to document who will perform the work and what, when, and how the work will be done. Sketches, drawings, plans, or other documentation of the work will have to be submitted for review. Also, you must pay the appropriate permit fees.
- Waiting during the review process. The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. The Zoning Official will determine if your project complies with the construction codes, zoning ordinance, and other municipal or state ordinances and statutes.
- Receive the results of the review process. If compliance with the code and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit is issued. If compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, you can correct the Code violation(s) or you may appeal the decision.
- Receive permit. The building permit is the document granting legal permission for you or your contractor to start construction. You must proceed as approved pursuant to the permit. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit. You will be required to post the permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the approved plans at the site and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the Zoning Official immediately. Changes will require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.
- Arrange inspection visits. Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Zoning Official to make certain the work conforms to the appropriate code, the building permit, and the approved plans. Normally, 24 hours advance notice is required. You must call the Jersey Shore Zoning Officer to schedule an inspection.
- Receive Certificate of Occupancy. When code compliance is determined, the inspector issues a certificate of occupancy. This certificate is the formal document that marks the completion of your construction project and gives you permission to occupy your new or renovated building with the knowledge that it has satisfied the safety standards of the building code and the Borough of Jersey Shore.
Zoning Hearing Board
The primary purpose of the 3-member Zoning Hearing Board is to help ensure fair and equitable application and administration of the zoning ordinance by hearing appeals on the zoning officer's determinations and by granting relief from the literal enforcement of the ordinance in certain hardship situations by granting a variance.
The Board has no legislative power, or enforcement powers and cannot modify zoning policy. It is a quasi-judicial body; that is, its powers are to some extent judicial in nature.
The Board schedules hearings on applications and appeals that come before it takes evidence, and issues written decisions with findings of fact and conclusions of law. It must limit its scope of activities to those permitted by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and by the Borough's Zoning Ordinance.
The Zoning Hearing Board meets as needed, and members serve 3-year terms and are managed by the Zoning Officer, Gene Kennelley.
The Zoning Hearing Board:
Brian White - Term Expires 2026
James Douty - Term Expires 2025
Brian Fioretti, Alternate - Term Expires 2024
Kate Hakes - Term Expires 2025
Fred Holland, Esquire, Solicitor
Planning Commission
The Jersey Shore Borough Planning Commission was created by the Borough Council to act as an advisor to the Council on matters of community growth and development. At the direction of the Council, the Planning Commission may be required to prepare a Comprehensive Plan for the Borough, to prepare and make recommendations on an official map, and/or to prepare Land Use Control Ordinances including Zoning Ordinances and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. The Planning Commission can also serve as a way for citizens to make their views known on growth, planning, and the direction the Borough is taking.
Commission members serve 5-year terms.
The Planning Commission is managed by The Zoning Officer. The Planning Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. as needed.
The Jersey Shore Planning Commission is:
Dan McClellan, Chairman - Term Expires 2025
Sean Simcox- Term Expires 2024
Barrett Allison - Term Expires 2025
Denny Kilpatrick - Term Expires 2026
Michelle Laubach - Term Expires 2027
Lon Myers - Alternate
Codes Committee
The Jersey Shore Codes Committee is:
Barbara Schmouder
Steve Kanski
Denise Robbins
The Codes Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. as needed.