(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BILLBOARD. Any sign with an advertising surface measuring ten feet or more in length, width, height or along any single dimension.
SIGN. Any structure, display or other thing utilized in whole or part to convey or communicate a visual impression or message that advertises activities which are not conducted on the property on which they are located. Such definition includes, but is not limited to, billboards, placards, posters, flags, banners, pennants, pictures, lights, projected images, balloons, streamers and painted images.
(B) Permit required.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate within the city any sign, billboard or other advertising structure without obtaining a permit from the Building Department and making payment of the required fee. In addition, all illuminated signs shall be subject to the provisions of the Electrical Code and the permit fees required thereof.
(2) An applicant for a billboard sign permit shall provide a certificate of insurance to the Building Department. The insurance shall provide public liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000 for injuries to one person and $300,000 for injuries to more than one person and property damage insurance in the amount of at least $100,000. The billboard sign permit shall automatically be revoked if the insurance lapses. The insurance policy shall require written notice to the Building Department at least 30 days before the insurance is cancelled or materially altered.
(3) Every applicant for a sign permit to erect or alter a sign over or on public property, private property or in the public right-of-way shall file with the Building Department for each such sign, or for each premises on which signs are erected, a continuing bond in the amount of $50,000 executed by the applicant and approved surety company, conditioned to indemnify, save and keep harmless the city from all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, actions, suits or judgments which may be presented, sustained, brought or secured against the city on account of the erection or alteration of said sign, or by reason of any accident caused by or resulting therefrom.
(C) License required.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain within the city any sign, billboard or other advertising structure without obtaining an annual license from the office of the City Clerk and making payment of the required fee.
(2) (a) Every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of maintaining a sign shall provide evidence of either:
1. A bond in the amount of $20,000 with sureties deemed adequate by the Building Department, conditioned to indemnify, save and keep harmless the city from all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, actions, suits or judgments which may be presented, sustained, brought or secured against the city on account of the erection, alteration or maintenance of said sign, or by reason of any accident caused by or resulting therefrom; or
2. Public liability insurance that protects against claims or judgments in the amount of at least $100,000 and property damage insurance in the amount of at least $20,000 with an insurance company qualified to write such insurance under the laws of the state.
(b) Said bond or insurance shall be in force once the sign has been erected. Said person shall present evidence at least once each year that said bond or insurance is still in effect. The bond or evidence of insurance shall be held by the City Clerk.
(D) Administration and enforcement; maintenance. All signs must be maintained in a state of good repair. When the Building Department or authorized city official believes that a sign is dangerous, unsafe, has become a public nuisance, has been an abandoned or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of provisions of this chapter, they shall contact the owner of the sign in writing at the address listed on the application and request that the problem be repaired or corrected. If the owner has not appealed the official’s determination to the City Council or corrected the problem(s) set forth within 14 days of the date of the written notice, the city shall arrange for removal of any such sign and bill the license holder or owner of the property on which it is located for all costs of such removal. If, however, the Building Department believes the health, safety or welfare of the citizens is immediately endangered by any violation of this chapter, then the Building Department may immediately revoke any sign permit and summarily remove the sign without notice.
(E) License fees.
Sign under 100 sq. ft. | $150 (fixed) |
Sign over 100 sq. ft. (illuminated) | $1.40 per sq. ft. |
Sign over 100 sq. ft. (non-illuminated) | $1.10 per sq. ft. |
LED sign under 100 sq. ft. | $2 per sq. ft. |
LED sign over 100 sq. ft. | $2.50 per sq. ft. |
NOTES TO TABLE: Structural alteration of any sign is subject to standard permit fees. | |
(Ord. 14-O-2086, passed 3-19-2014)