(A) Applicability.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in § 156.403, no sign may be erected, located, or altered in any manner until a sign permit, and building permit if necessary, has been secured from the Planning Department. The change of copy on a legally constructed sign shall not require a permit unless it is included as part of an approved common signage plan (see § 156.714).
(2) After January 19, 1999, all signs erected in conformance with these regulations shall display a sticker which is issued by the Planning Department. Any sign which does not display this sticker shall be considered a zoning violation or nonconforming sign, and subject to the relative provisions of this chapter.
(B) Application requirements. An application for sign permit shall be submitted in accordance with § 156.702.
(C) Action by Planning Director. Following completion of the technical review period, the Planning Director shall approve the sign permit for any sign less than 8 feet tall, provided the sign meets all requirements of this chapter, and all other applicable electrical and North Carolina Building Code requirements.
(D) Action by Planning Board. Following completion of the technical review period, the Planning Board shall approve the sign permit for any sign 8 feet in height or taller, provided the sign meets all requirements of this chapter, and all other applicable electrical and North Carolina Building Code requirements.
(E) Inspection of permanent signs.
(1) The applicant shall request an inspection by the appropriate inspector after installation of the signs.
(2) If the signs are found to be in compliance, the applicant shall receive a permanent seal which identifies the sign. The applicant shall attach the identification in a conspicuous location which is accessible to the Planning Director. It is recommended that businesses place the permit in a lower corner of the front door of the business in those cases where the seal is not affixed to the sign.
(3) The sign permit shall be null and void if sign installation is not completed within 6 months or the signs are not in conformance with the approved application.
(4) Valid sign permits may be assigned to a successor as holder of a business license for the same premises.
(F) Temporary sign permit. A temporary sign permit shall be issued in accordance with § 156.403. A common signage plan shall not be required for applications for temporary sign permits.
(G) Revocation of a sign permit. The sign permit shall be revoked if a sign is found to be in violation of the requirements of this chapter, or other applicable electrical and North Carolina State Building Code requirements.
(H) Appeal. Final action on a sign permit may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment in accordance with § 156.717.
(Ord. passed 6- -2019)