(A) Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be obtained from the Code Official for the erection, alteration and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within the city. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from the responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all other provisions of the code.
(B) Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure requiring the permit, construction documents shall be filed with the Code Official showing dimensions, materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the Minnesota Building Code.
(C) Changes to signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged or relocated, except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing or maintenance of moveable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.
(D) Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted from time to time by the City Council. The Code Official may double the fee for any sign, which requires a permit, if it is not obtained prior to the start of the work.
(Prior Code, § 11.15)