(A) Generally. The owner of a sign and the owner of the lot on which such sign is located shall be jointly and severally responsible to maintain such sign, including its illumination sources, in compliance with this part, this chapter and all applicable laws, and any applicable certificate of appropriateness, in a safe and secure condition, and in a neat and orderly condition and good working order at all times, and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such sign. The premises around monument and freestanding signs shall be kept clean and free of all rubbish and weeds. It shall be unlawful to have an abandoned sign, dilapidated sign, unsafe sign or vandalized sign on any property in the village.
(B) Condition of permanent signs generally. Permanent signs shall be periodically repainted or otherwise maintained to prevent corrosion or deterioration caused by the weather, age or any other condition, and to keep all such signs in neat and orderly condition and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Obvious deterioration on a permanent sign, such as faded, peeling, and broken lettering, or chips and dents or discoloration on a painted surface, or tattered and torn material on an awning or canopy sign, are not allowed and must be promptly repaired or remedied.
(C) Dilapidated signs. The Administrative Official shall send written notice to the owner of any dilapidated sign, and to the owner of the building, structure or lot on which the dilapidated sign is attached or erected, if different, of the condition(s) of the sign which are deemed to make it a dilapidated sign. A dilapidated sign must be brought into compliance with the all applicable provisions within 30 days following notice of such violation.
(D) Unsafe signs. The Administrative Official shall send written notice to the owner of any unsafe sign, and to the owner of the building, structure or lot on which the unsafe sign is attached or erected, if different, of the condition(s) of the sign which are deemed to make it an unsafe sign. If the unsafe sign does not pose an immediate threat of harm to person or property, the Administrative Official may require the owner of the sign, and the owner of the building, structure or lot on which the unsafe sign is attached or erected, if different, to repair or remove the sign within seven days following notice of such violation. If the Administrative Official finds that any sign is so unsafe or improperly secured or structurally unsound, or is in danger of falling, or presents any kind of fire or electrical safety or shock hazard, or is otherwise a menace to the public, or is otherwise in such hazardous condition that immediate action is warranted, the village may notify, by whatever means is practical, the parties entitled to notice under this provision and direct the immediate removal of the sign or other action to abate the hazard.
(E) Vandalized signs. The Administrative Official shall send written notice to the owner of any vandalized sign, and to the owner of the building, structure or lot on which the vandalized sign is attached or erected, if different, of the condition(s) of the sign which are deemed to make it a vandalized sign. A vandalized sign must be brought into compliance with the all applicable provisions within 14 days following notice of such violation.
(F) Abandoned signs. The Administrative Official shall send written notice to the owner of any abandoned sign, and to the owner of the building, structure or lot on which the abandoned sign is attached or erected, if different, of the condition(s) which are deemed to make it an abandoned sign. An abandoned sign must be brought into compliance with the all applicable provisions within 30 days following notice of such violation.
(Ord. 1057, passed 2-22-2011)