(a) Required. No person shall erect, alter or relocate any sign without first obtaining a permit therefor. However, any sign exempt from this section shall not be exempt from any other requirement of this chapter. Separate permits shall be required for each sign structure.
(b) Application. An application for such permit shall be made to the Code Enforcement Officer on such form as may be prescribed, shall include the name and address of the sign owner and the sign erector and shall be accompanied by drawings showing the design and location of the sign and such other pertinent information as the Code Enforcement Officer may require to ensure compliance with the ordinances of the city.
(c) Fee. The fee for each sign permit shall be ten dollars ($10.00). The installation of an electrical sign shall require a separate electrical permit.
(d) Expiration. A sign permit shall become void if the work for which the permit was issued has not been completed within six months after the date the permit was issued.
(e) Exemptions.
(1) Erection of the following nonilluminated signs does not require a sign permit:
A. Temporary signs;
B. On-premises signs less than 12 square feet in total sign area; and
C. Signs exempted from this chapter.
(2) The following operations shall not be considered as creating a sign and, therefore, do not require a sign permit:
A. The changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved painted or printed advertising sign or billboard, or on changeable copy panels, and similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the purpose; and
B. Painting, repainting, cleaning, replacing of lamps and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure unless a structural change is made. However, this exemption shall not apply to an existing sign repainted with a change in copy to accommodate a new business located on the premises. Such a change shall be considered a new sign and shall conform to all applicable requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 76-36, passed 6-22-1976)