(A) Applicability. No sign, except those identified as exempt or as allowed without a permit (but still subject to the provisions of this subchapter), is allowed to be erected, constructed, altered or relocated without first obtaining a sign permit.
(B) Authority and execution. The Zoning Administrator is responsible for determining compliance with this subchapter, and the Building and Zoning Department is responsible for issuing a sign permit.
(C) Permit issuance.
(1) Upon the filing of an application with the Building and Zoning Department for a sign permit to erect, alter or relocate a sign, the Building Commissioner or his or her designee will determine whether the application is complete. If necessary, the Commissioner will notify the applicant of any deficiencies, and will not process the application until the deficiencies are remedied. Once the application is determined to be complete, it will be received, logged in and forwarded to the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Upon receipt of a complete application, the Zoning Administrator will examine the plans and specifications, and the premises upon which the proposed sign is to be erected to ensure compliance with the requirements of the city’s Building Code and all other applicable ordinances of the city. The Building and Zoning Department will issue a sign permit if the structure complies with the requirements of this subchapter, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, and all other ordinances of the city.
(D) Approval of electric signs. The application for an electrical permit for the erection of a sign in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used must be submitted to the Building and Zoning Department, who shall forward the specifications regarding all wiring and connections to the Building Commissioner, or his or her designee. The Building Commissioner will examine the plans and specifications to determine compliance with the Electrical Code of the city as a condition of granting the sign permit.
(E) Inspection. The Building Commissioner may inspect, at such times as deemed appropriate, signs regulated by this subchapter. The purpose of the inspection is to ascertain whether the structure is secure or not secure, whether in need of repair or removal, or in conformance with the permit application and the provisions of this subchapter.
(F) Revocation of permit. All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this section are licenses revocable at any time by the City Council. Upon the termination or revocation of the sign permit, the licensee must remove the sign or other sign structure without cost or expense to the city. In the event of the failure, neglect or refusal on the part of the licensee to do so, the city will remove the sign and charge the expense to the licensee.
(G) Void. If the work authorized under a sign permit is not completed within 180 days after the date of issuance, the permit becomes null and void.
(Prior Code, § 166.122) (Ord. 2014-040, passed 7-8-2014) Penalty, see § 165.999