(a) Any sign existing at the time of enactment of this section shall be allowed to remain in its present form provided it is continuously maintained. If a change of ownership takes place, such signs may be re-lettered. However, physical changes in such signs, such as in the size and material of such signs, are not permitted. Where physical changes are desired, the form of such signs must be made to conform to this Zoning Code.
(b) Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which such sign may be found, within ten days after written notification thereof from the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in the order, the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector is hereby authorized to cause the removal of such sign and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the property on which such sign is located.
(c) If the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector finds that any sign or other advertising structure regulated under this chapter is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, notice shall be given in writing by the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector to the owner thereof. If the owner fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards set forth in this chapter within ten days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply with this chapter at the expense of the owner of the property upon which it is located. The Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(Ord. 74-O-128, passed 10-17-1974; Ord. 79-O-441, passed 4-3-1979; Ord. 79-O-442, passed 4-3-1979; Ord. 11-O-2664, passed 11-15-2011; Ord. 16-O-2895, passed 1-3-2017)