(a) Compliance with this Section. No person shall erect, locate, move, alter, or replace a sign or cause a sign to be erected, moved, altered or replaced, except in compliance with this Chapter.
(b) Sign Concept Plan. For multi-tenant buildings and development projects with multiple buildings, the Planning Commission may approve the location, size, color, and style of
tenant signs when the Planning Commission reviews the development plans for new buildings. When evaluating sign concept plans, the Planning Commission shall consider the criteria in Section 1179.09. Whenever the Planning Commission has approved a sign concept plan, the Zoning Inspector shall require that subsequent tenant signage complies therewith.
(c) A proposed sign that is not in compliance with the requirements in this Chapter may be reviewed by the Planning Commission as a Conditional Use pursuant to Chapter 1137. When considering deviation from the sign requirements herein, the Planning Commission may approve such sign when it determines that:
(1) The size and scale of the sign is appropriate for the size of the building and the proportion of the build ing (panel, fascia, wall, and other arch itectural features) and/or lot on which the sign will be placed.
(2) The proposed sign is the minimum relief necessary to assure it is visible to the intended viewers, typically passing motorists.
(3) The additional sign, additional sign area, alternative location, sign type, and/or the design will not adversely impact the adjacent residential areas, or otherwise compromise any other public interests.
(d) Application, Administrative Review, and Approval of Signage Proposals.
(1) A sign permit application shall be reviewed administratively by the Building Official for compliance with the design criteria, construction standards, maintenance, and all other applicable regulations in th is Chapter.
(2) A Sign Permit shall expire one (1) year after the date of issuance if the sign has not been installed.
(3) The Building Official may approve a minor alteration to an existing Sign Permit without requiring the submittal, review, and approval of a new Sign Permit application.
(4) Upon approval of a Sign Permit Application, the Building Official shall issue a Sign Permit.
(e) Application for Permit; Specifications; Bond or Insurance.
(1) A permit shall be required for all permanent and temporary signs as follows:
A. Districts. In the Residence Districts, if the sign exceeds four (4) square feet in total area; in all other districts, if the sign exceeds eight (8) square feet in total area; for temporary signs in Non-Residence Districts, all signs regardless of size.
B. Form and Content. Applications for a Sign Permits to erect, place, paint or alter a sign shall be made by the owner or lessee of the property upon which a sign is proposed and submitted on forms furnished by the Building Official. The applications shall be made separately from any other Zoning or Building permit. The fee shall be established by separate ordinance. Each application shall be accompanied by drawings to scale showing the design and layout proposed, including the total area of the sign and the size, character and color of letters, lines and symbols, and showing the method of illumination, if any, and the exact location of the sign in relation to the building and property.
C. Specifications. Details and specifications for construction, erection, and attachments shall be as required by the Building Code.
(2) Bond or Insurance.
A. No person, firm, or corporation shall install, erect or maintain any sign or medium of display or advertising, electric or otherwise, exceeding twenty-five (25) square feet in area, until such person, firm or corporation has filed with the Building Official a surety bond in the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Such bond shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Law and shall be conditioned upon the installation and erection of signs in accordance with the ordinances of the City and the laws of Ohio. It shall also provide for the indemnification of the City for any and all damages or liability which may accrue against it by reason of faulty installation, erection, demolition, repair, removal or defects in, or collapse of, any sign for a period of one (1) year after erection and for such period of time that such a sign is maintained or serviced by or under the direction of the maker of such bond. Such bond shall further provide for the indemnification of any person, firm or corporation who shall, while upon public property or in any public place, incur damage for which the principal named in the bond is legally liable.
B. In lieu of executing and filing a bond under this section, the applicant may file with the Clerk-Treasurer a certificate of an insurance company duly authorized to do business in Ohio certifying that there is in effect an insurance policy in an amount equal to the penal sum required if a bond were filed, insuring the applicant and the City against any and all claims for personal injury or damage to property that in any way result from such a sign or marquee. The certificate shall also state that the policy shall not be canceled or in any manner amended, changed or altered without giving the Clerk-Treasurer five (5) days written notice thereof. All of the provisions of the ordinances of the City and of this section shall be applicable to any certificate filed in accordance with the provisions hereof.
(f) Status of Prior Violations. A violation of the sign regulations in effect upon the adoption of this Chapter shall continue, unless in compliance with this Chapter, and penalties and enforcement remedies available to the City shall continue in full force and effect. The City may continue to pursue imposition and collection of penalties for the violations that occurred prior to the effective date of this Chapter.
(Ord. 2024-052. Passed 6-18-24.)