(a) All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, attractive condition, free of structural defects and electrical violations, so as not to constitute a public nuisance, blight or deteriorating influence on adjacent property or a safety hazard. Signs and sign poles which no longer serve the purpose for which they were intended or which have been abandoned or are not maintained in accordance with this section and other applicable regulations of the City shall be removed by the person on whose premises such sign is displayed or by the City at the expense of such person. Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer relates to a business being conducted on the premises shall be removed by the person on whose premises such sign is displayed or by the City at the expense of such person within thirty days. These removal provisions shall not apply where a succeeding owner or lessee conducts the same type of business and agrees to maintain the sign as provided in this chapter or changes copy on the sign(s) to advertise the type of business being conducted, and provided the sign complies with all other provisions of this chapter.
(b) The Division of Building shall inspect, as it deems necessary, each sign or other structure regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is secure or insecure and whether it is in need of removal or repair.
(c) The occupant or owner of any premises upon which a violation of this chapter is apparent or the owner of any sign placed or remaining anywhere in violation of this chapter shall be deemed responsible for the violation so evidenced and subject to the penalty provided therefor. (Ord. 03-37. Passed 11-3-03.)