All signs shall be maintained in accordance with the following:
(a) The property owner shall maintain the sign in a condition fit for the intended use, and has a continuing obligation to comply with all building code requirements.
(b) Every sign or other advertising structure hereafter erected shall have permanently displayed in a conspicuous place thereon, in letters not less than one-half inch in height, the date of erection, the name address and telephone number of a firm or person responsible for erecting the sign, the permit number, the primary voltage and the volt amperage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therewith. Every illuminated sign, which is internally illuminated must bear an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., approval label. Any other illuminated sign must contain Underwriters approved parts.
(c) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, relettering or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
(1) There is no alteration or remodeling to the structure or the mounting of the sign itself.
(2) There is no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure.
(3) The sign is accessory to a legally permitted, conditional or nonconforming use.
(d) In the event a sign is or becomes unsafe or is in danger of falling, the owner shall, upon written notice from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, proceed at once to put such sign in a safe and secure condition or remove the sign. If the correction has not been made within 30 days, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may remove or cause such unsafe sign to be removed, repaired or maintained at the expense of the property owner or lessee, sign owner or sign lessee.
(e) In cases of emergency, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign, at the expense of the owner or lessee, without notice. Signs removed in this manner must present a hazard to the public safety as defined in the Ohio Building Code or the City Traffic Code.
(f) Any abandoned sign or sign no longer serving its intended purpose shall be removed within 30 days. Unauthorized signs shall be removed within 30 days.
(Ord. 58-01. Passed 5-29-01.)