The owner of a zone lot containing signs requiring a permit under this chapter shall at all times maintain in force a sign permit for such property. Sign permits shall be issued for individual zone lots, notwithstanding the fact that a particular zone lot may be included with other zone lots in a Common Signage Plan.
1. Initial Sign Permit. An initial sign permit shall be automatically issued by the Zoning Administrator covering the period from the date of the inspection for the completed sign installation, construction or modification through the last day of that calendar year.
2. Subsequent Sign Permits. Sign permits shall be issued for five (5) years. Except as provided herein, sign permits shall be renewable every five (5) years upon submission of a renewal application form and the applicable fees. Renewal applications shall contain a representation by the applicant that no change in signage under the permit has been made or shall contain dimensions, drawings and photos of any changes.
3. Lapse of Sign Permit. A continuing sign permit shall lapse automatically if not renewed or if the business license for the premises is discontinued for a period of 180 days or more and is not renewed within thirty (30) days of a notice from the City to the last permittee, sent to the premises, that the sign permit will lapse if such activity is not renewed.
4. Assignment of Sign Permits. A current and valid sign permit shall be freely assignable to a successor as owner of the property or holder of a business license for the same premises, subject only to filing such application as the Zoning Administrator may require and paying any applicable fee. The assignment shall be accomplished by filing and shall not require approval.