It is the intent of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination, as expeditiously as it is reasonable, of existing signs that are not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter is as much a subject of the health, safety, and welfare of the public as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this chapter. It is also the intent of this section that any elimination of nonconforming signs shall be effected so as to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established private property rights. The zoning administrator shall cause removal of a sign or sign structure if the property owner fails to comply with the standards of this chapter within ten (10) days after being issued a written notification from the zoning administrator. Any expense incurred by the city in removing or repairing the sign or sign structure shall be paid by the owner of the property to which the sign is attached.
A. Nonconforming Signs:
1. Any nonconforming off-premises sign which does not advertise a bona fide business, product, or organization, or becomes obsolete because the business or organization has relocated, shall be removed by the owner within one hundred twenty (120) days of the termination or relocation of the business, product, or organization being advertised. Removal of obsolete signs shall include the supporting structure, exclusive of any building, if all signs on the structure are obsolete.
2. Any nonconforming off premises sign which is severely damaged and requires over fifty percent (50%) of the cost of replacement for repair shall be removed within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the damage. Removal of damaged signs shall include the supporting structure exclusive of any building, if all signs on the structure are nonconforming.
B. Obsolete Signs: Any obsolete sign which does not advertise a bona fide business conducted, or a product sold, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the structure upon which such sign may be found within ten (10) days after written notification from the zoning administrator. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the zoning administrator may cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the property to which such a sign is attached.
C. Unsafe And Unlawful Signs: If the zoning administrator shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this article, he/she shall give written notice to the person to whom the zoning certificate had been issued. If he/she fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within ten days after such notice, such sign may be removed or altered to comply by the zoning administrator at the expense of the zoning certificate issued or owner of the property upon which it is located. The zoning administrator shall refuse to issue a zoning certificate to any such party or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The zoning administrator may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
D. Alterations: No display sign or outdoor advertising device shall be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated except in conformity with the provisions of this title. Minor repainting, changing of parts, and preventative maintenance of signs shall not be deemed to be alterations. Repainting, changing of parts, and preventative maintenance of signs consisting of more than fifty percent (50%) of the original cost of said sign, as shown on the original building permit, shall be considered an alteration.
E. Maintenance: The owner of any sign requiring a permit shall be required to maintain an exterior which is properly painted, galvanized, or otherwise treated to prevent rust and deterioration of all parts and supports. (Ord. 35-17, 10-17-2017)