(a) Inspection. The Zoning Administrator shall inspect each sign after it is erected to determine if the sign and its location are in conformance with the permit and the approved sign plan. The Zoning Administrator may also conduct inspections at such times as necessary for the purpose of ascertaining whether the sign remains in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance or is in need of repair or removal. A record of all such inspections shall be kept on file in the office of the Zoning Administrator.
(b) Removal of Signs. The Zoning Administrator may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter. Thirty (30) days' written notice to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance shall be given to the owner of a permanent sign or a notice of such violation placed on the building, structure, premises, or sign in violation. In the case of any temporary sign in violation, the Zoning Administrator may remove the sign immediately. The sign owner shall be notified in writing as to disposition of the sign. Any sign removed by the Zoning Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be held for redemption by the owner. To redeem, the owner shall pay all costs incurred by the City for removal. Should the sign not be redeemed within thirty (30) days of its removal, it may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the Zoning Administrator and the costs incurred for its removal shall be assessed to the owner on the property tax roll. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expenses incurred by the City in connection with the sign's removal.
(c) Maintenance. Signs which are no longer functional or are in disrepair for more than sixty (60) days, shall be removed, at the expense of the property owner, within thirty (30) days following notice of non-compliance. The property owner shall be notified by certified mail. Failure to comply will automatically revoke the permit after noncompliance has been determined by the Zoning Administrator and notice has been given to the property owner as reflected by the records of the Zoning Administrator. If the sign is not removed within thirty (30) days, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the sign to be removed and assess the cost of removal against the property.
(d) Obsolete Signs. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located within six (6) months of when the business or use which it identifies is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Zoning Administrator shall give the owner seven (7) days' written notice to remove it. If the owner fails to comply with this notice, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the sign to be removed at cost to the owner. Where a successor to a defunct business agrees to maintain the sign(s) as provided in this chapter, this removal requirement shall not apply. The new sign user shall notify the Zoning Administrator's office, in writing, of this change. No new sign permit shall be required unless the sign is altered or relocated contrary to the provisions of this chapter. The Zoning Administrator shall be notified in any matters relating to sign relocations.
(e) Unsafe Signs. Should any sign be or become insecure or in danger of falling or become otherwise unsafe, the owner or persons maintaining the sign shall, upon receipt of written notice from the Zoning Administrator, proceed immediately to put it in a safe and secure condition or remove it. If the owner or lessee fails to remove or to make the sign safe within seven (7) days after such notice, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the sign to be removed at the expense of the property owner. The Zoning Administrator may cause any sign which is in an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(f) Regular Maintenance. Every sign and all the supports, braces, guys and anchors thereof, shall be kept in repair and, unless made of non-corroding material, shall be thoroughly and properly painted regularly. The Zoning Administrator may order removal or compliance of any such signs that are not, in the judgement of the Zoning Administrator, maintained in accordance with the conditions of this section.
(g) Alterations. No sign shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, and then not until a permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)