(a) Signs placed or maintained on private property in violation of this chapter are prohibited. The Zoning Inspector and the Assistant Zoning Inspector are responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter. In addition to criminal penalties provided in the Zoning Code, the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector may pursue civil and administrative remedies, including but not limited to injunctive action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) When a sign has been placed or maintained on private property in violation of this chapter, the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector may order that the prohibited sign be removed or brought into compliance with this chapter by sending a notice of violation to the owner of the property. A period of not more than ten calendar days from service of the notice of violation shall be permitted to remove the sign or bring it into compliance. The notice of violation shall be considered served upon placement in regular U.S. mail or posting on the front entry door of the property.
(c) The property owner may appeal the notice of violation to the City Planning Commission by filing a written notice of appeal with the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector stating the grounds for the appeal. The notice of appeal must be filed therewith before the expiration of the ten calendar day period allowed for the property owner to remove the sign or bring it into compliance. The City Planning Commission shall hear the appeal at its next regular meeting occurring not less than ten calendar days from the date of receipt of the notice of appeal. The City Planning Commission shall either enter its findings and decision on the appeal during the hearing, or may take the matter under advisement and issue a decision not more than ten calendar days following the hearing.
(d) The decision of the Zoning Inspector or the Assistant Zoning Inspector to file a criminal or civil complaint with a court of competent jurisdiction shall not be subject to this administrative appeal process.
(e) Upon failure of the owner or agent of the owner to remove the sign or bring it into compliance as directed in the notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the city shall be authorized to enter the property in violation and remove the sign to abate the violation. The costs of abatement shall be charged to the property owner. Unpaid costs shall be collected pursuant to the city's authority to collect debts owed to the city and the assessment thereof against the property.
(Ord. 16-O-2895, passed 1-3-2017)