(A) A sign permit shall not become valid until the applicant has paid to the city the appropriate fee according to the permit fee schedule as adopted annually by the City Council. There shall be no fee for alterations involving only change in copy, content, or color. Valuation shall mean the total cost of the sign or the value thereof if cost was not arrived at by transaction between independent parties.
(B) A fee shall not be required for signs for which a permit is not required or for graphics, murals, etchings, or stained or painted glass that does not have a name, mark, logo, symbol, or commercial identification attached or associated therewith.
(C) Whenever any sign for which a permit is required has been installed, replaced, or altered without first having obtained a permit, a special investigation consisting of inspection of the site, communication with the owner of the property or business and review of necessary records shall be made before a permit shall be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected, whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be twice the amount of the permit fee and shall not exceed $250. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this chapter or from any penalty prescribed by law.
(Ord. 92-19, passed 10-6-92)