(A) A sign shall be considered abandoned:
(1) When the sign remains after the discontinuance of a use.
(a) A business is considered to have discontinued operations if it is closed to the public for at least 90 consecutive days.
(b) A seasonal business is considered to have discontinued operations if it is closed to the public for at least 72 hours after the expiration of an 80-day seasonal business permit.
(2) When the sign on its immediate premises is not adequately maintained and the repairs or maintenance ordered under § 153.161(B) are not effected within the 30-day time limit.
(3) When the pre-existing legal sign does not conform to the provisions of this subchapter and is not brought into conformity upon any change in use or design as specified in § 153.160(J).
(B) The Planning Director shall determine whether a sign shall be considered abandoned. Upon determination that the sign is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately and the Planning Director shall issue an order for the sign to be removed within 15 days by the property owner. Any abandoned sign still standing after 15 days following an order for removal may be removed by the city. If the property owner refuses to pay for removal of the sign, the cost of such removal, as determined by City Council, will be added to the owner's tax records.
('80 Code, § 1189.14) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 28-08, passed 5-19-08 6-25-18; Am. Ord. 12-21, passed 4-12-21) Penalty, see § 153.999