A. Enforcement Authority: The Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
B. Inspection: The Zoning Administrator may inspect, at such times as he deems necessary, each sign or sign structure regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether the sign is in compliance with this chapter or any other relevant City Code, law or ordinance.
C. Unsafe And Unlawful Signs:
1. Duty To Remove Or Repair:
a. Should the Zoning Administrator find any sign regulated by this chapter to be unsafe, unlawful, or a menace to the public, or constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall cause notice to be given to the holder of the permit.
b. If the holder of the permit should fail to remove the sign or bring the sign or other advertising structure into compliance, the Zoning Administrator may cause, at the holder's or property owner's expense, the sign or other advertising structure to be removed or brought into compliance.
c. If the holder or owner fails to pay the costs and expenses of such repair or removal within thirty (30) days of the notice, then such costs and expenses shall become a lien against the property. In addition, the Zoning Administrator shall refuse to issue a sign permit to any holder or owner who refuses to pay the costs and expenses assessed under this provision.
2. Unlawful Signs: Unlawful signs, regardless of type, shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours of the time when notice was perfected.
3. Signs Causing Immediate Peril: The Zoning Administrator may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily without notice.
D. Signs No Longer In Use:
1. Removal: Any sign advertising a defunct business, or an unavailable product or service, shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the control of the premises upon which the sign is located.
2. Notice: The Zoning Administrator shall give notice to the owner or to any person occupying the property that the sign on his premises is in violation.
3. Failure To Comply: Failure to comply with the notice within the time specified shall cause the Zoning Administrator to authorize removal. Expenses related to removal shall be the responsibility of the owner of the premises upon which such sign is located.
4. Lien: The Zoning Administrator shall notify the owner or occupant of the premises of the total costs incurred for such repair or removal of the sign. If the owner or occupant fails to pay the costs and expenses of such repair or removal within thirty (30) days of the notice, then such costs and expenses shall become a lien against the property. (Ord. Z-24-05, 8-29-2005)