13-20-760 Abandoned signs and structures.

   (a)   “Abandoned sign” means:

      (1)   any sign that has had no copy on it for at least six consecutive months; or

      (2)   any sign that: (A) is attached to a building or lot; and (B) identifies or describes either a business that has not been located or operating in such building or lot for at least six consecutive months, or identifies or describes a product or service that has not been sold or leased within such building or lot for at least six consecutive months, or identifies or describes either a business or service which has either failed to obtain or maintain a valid City of Chicago business license or licenses, if required, for said building or lot; or

      (3)   any sign for which the sign inspection fee required by this Code has not been paid and is past due for at least six consecutive months; or

      (4)   any sign for which the permit number applicable to such sign not been displayed in the manner required by Section 13-20-620 for at least six consecutive months.

   The permit for an abandoned sign may be revoked in accordance with Section 13-20-645.

   Any abandoned sign shall be declared a hazard and the Building Department is hereby empowered to remove or to cause to be removed any such abandoned sign.

   (b)   “Abandoned sign structure” means any sign structure that:

      (1)   has not had any sign, or has had an abandoned sign, attached to it for at least six consecutive months; or

      (2)   has a sign attached to the structure for which the sign inspection fee required by this Code has not been paid and is past due for at least six consecutive months; or

      (3)   is an off-premise sign or sign or sign structure for which the permit number applicable to such sign not been displayed in the manner required by Section 13-20-620 for at least six consecutive months; or

      (4)   is an outdoor sign on which the name of the owner of such sign not been displayed in the manner required by Section 13-96-040(e) for at least six consecutive months.

   A sign structure that is removed, except as a result of criminal vandalism, such that a nonconforming sign for which a valid permit existed can no longer be displayed, will be deemed to have been abandoned. The remaining presence of in-ground or above-ground footings or portions of the poles or bracing, wiring or other apparatus shall not be grounds for retention of the nonconforming status or revival of the permit.

(Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. IV, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. I, § 22; Amend Coun. J. 1-23-19, p. 94952, Art. I, § 10)