(a) Inspection of New Signs. All signs for which a permit has been issued shall be inspected by the Building Official during the construction phase, and immediately after the completion of construction to assure that the sign has been constructed in compliance with the Village Code. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to notify the Building Official of the date of commencement and the date of completion of the construction of the sign. The Building Department shall notify the applicant in writing of any violations of any chapter of the Village Code in the construction of the sign. If, within fourteen (14) days of written notice, sent by first class mail, the applicant has failed to take steps to correct the violation, then the Building Department may cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner.
(b) Inspection of Existing Signs.
(1) The Building Official may inspect any sign regulated by this chapter to ascertain whether it is secure and whether it is in need of painting, repair or removal.
(2) If the Building Official does not approve said sign because it is unlawfully installed, not secure or is in need of repainting, repair, or removal, then the Building Official shall send written notice by first class mail to the owner of the property stating the reasons why the sign failed to pass inspection. If, within fourteen (14) days of receiving written notice, the owner has failed to take steps to correct the violation, then the Building Official shall send written notice to remove the sign within fourteen (14) days. If, after expiration of the additional fourteen (14) day period the owner does not comply with the request of the Building Department, the Building Department may cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner. The fourteen (14) day period to correct violations may be extended at the discretion of the Building Official due to weather-related restrictions.
(c) Correction of Unsafe or Unlawful Signs. When any sign becomes unsecured, dilapidated, in danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinances of the Village of Franklin, then the owner thereof, or the firm maintaining the sign, or the person in control of the premises, shall make the sign safe and secure by completing any necessary reconstruction or repairs or by entirely removing the sign. If actions to correct the violations are not completed within fourteen (14) days after receiving written notice from the Building Official, then the Building Department may cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 7-14-08; Ord. 2012-08. Passed 12-10-12; Ord. 2019-01. Passed 1-14-19.)