(1) Permit required. No temporary or permanent sign shall be erected, altered, reconstructed, or moved in the city without first securing a permit from the city, unless this chapter specifically states otherwise. The permit holder shall be responsible for all of the requirements of this chapter, including the liability for expense of removal and maintenance incurred by the city.
(2) Sign permit fees shall be as specified in the city fee schedule. Double permit fees shall be assessed if the permit is pulled after the sign is placed.
(3) Repairs.
(a) All signs shall be maintained in good condition and the areas around them kept free from debris, bushes, high weeds and from anything else which would be an eyesore or nuisance. All signs must be maintained to prevent the sign from becoming unkempt in appearance. When any ground sign is removed, the entire surrounding area shall be cleared of all debris and unsightly projections and protrusions.
(b) Any sign located in the city which may now be or hereafter become out of order, rotten or unsafe and every sign which shall hereafter be erected, altered, resurfaced, reconstructed or moved contrary to the provisions of this sign chapter, shall be removed or otherwise properly secured in accordance with the terms of this sign chapter by the owners of the sign or by the owners of the property on which the sign is located, upon receipt of notice from the city to do so. No rotten or other unsafe sign shall be repaired or rebuilt except in accordance with the provisions of this sign chapter and upon proper permit issued by the issuing authority.
(4) Removal. In the event of the failure of the owner or person or entity having control of any sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is located to remove or repair the sign within 60 days after the use is terminated, a notice shall be given and the sign may be removed by the city at the expense of the owner or manager of the sign or the owner of the property upon which the sign stands.
(5) Violations. Any violation of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor. Each day of the violation shall constitute a separate offense.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)