Bethlehem needs to hire a full-time Zoning Officer, someone with the chops to enforce the zoning codes.
The Zoning Officer could make certain that property owners and residents comply with the zoning ordinances.
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A full-time Zoning Officer would be beneficial because residents and developers are not fully aware of zoning limitations. Residents and developers can get a copy of the ordinance, but most of them are not sure what to do with the document. They would probably just stuff it up some sewer pipe.
Ever since John Lezoche retired as Bethlehem's Zoning Officer, the City has had part-time Zoning Officers. Christine Bartleson succeeded Mr. Lezoche; she had to wear two hats, zoning and planning. Guess which one got neglected, zoning. With no full-time Zoning Officer the City ends up with more enforcement problems. Better stated, with no full-time Zoning Officer, the City neglects zoning ordinance enforcement.
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The City actually has no clue what zoning ordinance complaints were made during the entire year of 2011, at least that is what they tell me. "The City of Bethlehem does not keep a list or log of such complaints.” That is a quote from a recent letter sent to me, from the City. They have no list or log. Interesting, since I only wanted to review the records. I did not ask for a list or log. More stonewalling by the City Administration. Great job!
Building inspectors could actually handle zoning complaints. But, who knows if that is happening, since the City has a record keeping gap. Maybe the additional zoning enforcement workload would detract from the inspectors doing their regular job. Therefore the need for a full-time Zoning Officer, and one with integrity.
Zoning enforcement should be handled more consistently, more than on a per-call basis. And, are there any records of any complaints, whether by telephone, email, postal mail, or face-to-face? Any records, any?
Ok, Bethlehem, when are we going to have a full-time Zoning Officer, one that enforces the zoning ordinance? And when are you going to start keeping records?