(A) Applicability. The following procedure applies to sign permits. Refer to § 7.7 for standards for permanent and temporary signs.
(B) Exemptions. No sign shall be constructed, replaced, erected or modified within the city limits without first obtaining a sign permit; provided, however, that the following shall be exempt from permitting requirements:
(1) Ordinary maintenance and repair to existing signs, provided that the work does not affect the structure to a degree greater than 50% of the current replacement cost, exclusive of the structural support of the sign;
(2) Change of copy on signs listing current or future programs and events taking place on the premises;
(3) Seasonal decorations and displays, provided they conform to the provisions of § 7.7;
(4) Real estate signs, provided they conform to the provisions of § 7.7;
(5) Street signs erected by a subdivider or by the municipality for the purpose of street identification;
(6) Public information signs installed by the city or other governmental agency; and
(7) Rotation, repainting and posting of copy.
(C) Application. Application for sign permits shall be made through the Administrator and shall include a site plan that includes the following information:
(1) Clear and legible drawings with descriptions showing the location of the sign that is the subject of the permit, as well as the location of the building, structure or land on which the sign is to be located;
(2) An indication of all existing and anticipated signs on the same property and for the same business use;
(3) The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building or the lot lines of the property on which it is to be located (including the locations of easements), whichever is applicable;
(4) The dimensions of the sign, and where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached;
(5) The dimensions of the sign’s structural members;
(6) Mounting details;
(7) Description of sign materials and colors;
(8) Type of illumination;
(9) The owner shall agree to maintain the sign by repainting peeled surfaces and replacing inoperative components; and to remove the sign when the use of the property has been terminated. Should he or she fail to maintain the sign as outlined above, the city shall cause the sign to be removed at the owner’s expense after having given the owner of the sign 30 days written notice to do so;
(10) Other applicable information as the Administrator may require under the provisions of this section; and
(11) A sign permit fee shall accompany the application for a permit and shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule in effect at the time of application.
(D) Procedure. The Zoning Administrator shall review an application for a sign permit for compliance with this chapter and issue the permit or reject the application in writing within ten working days of its receipt. Failure of the Administrator to take these actions shall constitute approval of the sign permit.
(E) Effect of sign permit issuance. A sign permit issued under the provisions of this section shall not be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall it be deemed as a defense in an action to remove an unlawful sign.
(F) Expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if work has not been started within 30 days of the date the permit is issued or completed within 90 days of the date the permit is issued; provided, however, that when a sign permit is issued in connection with a building permit for the site on which the sign is to be located, the sign permit shall not run concurrent with the building permit. If the sign has not been erected upon expiration of the permit, the holder of a sign permit may apply through the Administrator for a three-month extension on the permit within ten working days of the expiration date. A sign permit shall be renewed only once, after which time the permit shall be null and void.
(G) Inspection.
(1) The Administrator or his or her appointed official shall have the right of entry in order to inspect all signs for compliance with the provisions of local codes and ordinances.
(2) When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe, the Administrator shall send written notice to the owner of the sign to remove or repair the sign. If the sign is not so removed or repaired within 30-working days, the city shall cause the sign to be removed at the expense of the owner of the sign.
(Ord. 07-16, passed 12-10-2007)
Cross-reference:
Fence and wall standards, see Title XV, § 7.14