(A) All components of a sign shall be kept in good repair at all times. The owner of any sign (existing or proposed) shall be required to have it properly painted, galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust and deterioration of all parts and supports of the sign. The Building Inspector may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
(B) For any sign or advertising structure that is unsafe or insecure, is a menace to the public, or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this DO, the Building Inspector shall give written notice to the owner, agency or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or premises upon which it is found. If, after notification, the proper person fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards of this section within 15 days after this notice, the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to have the sign or advertising structure removed.
(C) In the event of failure by any party to reimburse the city within 60 days for costs incurred for repair or removal ordered by the Building Inspector, the City Council shall certify the charges for repair or removal to the city’s legal counsel, who will be then authorized to file a notice of lien in the office of the County Recorder of Deeds to foreclose this lien, and to sue the owner of the real estate, or signs permitted, or their agents, in a civil action to recover the money due for all the foregoing services, plus all expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees to be fixed by the Court. Included in the expenses recoverable by the city are the costs of filing the notice of lien, foreclosing the lien and all litigation costs, together with all office and legal expense incurred in connection with the collection of the amount due.
(Ord. 10-3277, § 3-1.7, passed 1-4-2010)