(A) Purpose. If a sign requiring a permit under the provisions of this chapter is to be placed, constructed, erected or modified on a lot of record, the owner of the lot shall secure a sign permit prior to the construction, placement, erection or modification of such a sign in accordance with the requirements of this section. The following procedures shall govern the application for, and issuance of, all sign permits under this chapter.
(B) Applicability. Sign permits shall be required for all of the following:
(1) Any sign shown on Table 154.808.1 as requiring a sign permit.
(2) Any modification of an existing sign that includes:
(a) A change in the materials, size, shape or location of the sign.
(b) A change in any supporting or mounting component of an existing sign (such as poles and brackets) that requires a building permit as per the adopted building code.
(c) A change in the electrical service to an existing sign that requires an electrical permit as per the adopted electrical code.
(C) Review criteria. The Zoning Administrator shall review each application for a sign permit for consistency with the following criteria:
(1) Conformance with all applicable provisions of this subchapter.
(2) Conformance with all conditions or provisions included in any applicable approved temporary use permit, special use permit, planned unit development, development agreement, annexation agreement, or sign variance.
(3) Conformance with all requirements of any applicable adopted zoning or design overlay district.
(D) Application, review and decision-making procedures. Application requirements, processing procedures and decision-making are described in Table 154.905.1 and § 154.906, with the following modifications:
(1) Other permits required. Upon approval of a sign permit, a building and/or electrical permit may also be required as per adopted codes. In such cases, neither a building nor electrical permit will be issued until the sign permit is first approved, and all required permits must be obtained prior to installation or modification of the subject sign.
(2) Expiration of sign permit. A sign permit shall expire immediately upon a finding of the Zoning Administrator of any of the following:
(a) The sign has not been constructed in accordance with the sign permit and the sign owner has failed to correct all deficiencies after being provided 180 days notice to do so by the Zoning Administrator.
(b) The sign is unsafe due to damage or a lack of maintenance and has not been repaired after being provided 30 days notice to do so by the Zoning Administrator.
(c) The business the sign advertises has not operated for more than 30 days on the lot of record on which the sign is located.
(d) The product the sign advertises has not been available for more than 180 days.
(e) The event the sign advertises occurred more than 180 days in the past.
(3) Removal of signs. Upon the expiration of a sign permit, the sign face shall be removed or covered. Within one year of the expiration of a sign permit, all supporting poles, brackets, guy wires, frames, boxes and similar appurtenant members shall be removed.
(Ord. O-05-04, passed 4-11-05)