If any business or firm discontinues operations for a period of 90 days or more, such discontinuance shall be considered conclusive evidence of an intent to abandon the business or operation. All signs erected in conjunction with the business or operation that has become abandoned are declared to be unnecessary and a nuisance and shall be removed. Whenever the Building Inspector finds that any business or firm has been abandoned within the meaning of this section, he shall give notice in the same manner as service of summons in civil cases, or by certified mail addressed to the owner of the record of the premises at his last known address, or to the address to which tax bills are sent, or by combination of the above methods to remove all signs and other advertising media from the premises within 30 days after receipt of such notice. If the business or firm fails to remove or dismantle such signs, so as to comply with the provisions of this section, such signs may be removed by the city at the expense of such business or firm.
(Ord. 34-84, passed 4-9-84) Penalty, see § 154.99