1143.20 MAINTENANCE.

   All signs, together with their structural elements and supporting framework, shall be kept in good repair and in a proper state of preservation to the reasonable satisfaction of the Building and Zoning Inspector. The Building and Zoning Inspector may order the removal of any sign, any portion of its structural elements or its supporting framework that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter sixty (60) calendar days after notice by certified mail is sent to the owner of such sign.

1143.21 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

    It is the intent of this section to recognize that the elimination, as expeditiously as is reasonable, of existing signs that are not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, is as much a subject of health, safety, and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this chapter.

     No nonconforming sign or sign structure:

      (a)    Shall be changed to another nonconforming sign;

      (b)    Shall have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is designed for periodic change of message;

      (c)    Shall be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign, or the structure or pole supporting the sign, or altered so as to change the shape, size, type, or design of the sign;

      (d)    Shall have the face or faces changed when such sign is of a type of construction to permit a change of face or faces;

     (e)    Shall be reestablished after the activity, business, or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for ninety (90) calendar days or longer; or

      (f)    Shall be reestablished after damage or destruction if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds thirty percent (30%) of the appraised replacement cost of the sign as determined by the Director of Public Safety.

      (Ord. 041-2023. Passed 11-6-23.)

1143.22 APPEAL FOR VARIANCE.

   A person aggrieved by an order, decision or requirement of the Building and Zoning Inspector under this chapter may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 1105.02(c)(4) (Special Sign Variance).

   The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision or determination of this chapter. The Board may grant a variance for a sign which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter if, in addition to the requirements of Section 1105.02 (c)(2)(B), it determines that all of the following criteria are met:

   (a)   The particular sign will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter; and

   (b)   The sign will not be injurious to the immediate neighborhood or adjacent land use; and

   (c)   The sign is sufficiently compatible with the architectural and design character of the immediate neighborhood; and

   (d)   The sign will not be hazardous to passing traffic or otherwise detrimental to the public safety and welfare.

   In granting such special permit, the Board shall specify the size, type and location of the sign and impose such other reasonable terms, restrictions and conditions as it may deem to be in the public interest.
(Ord. 057-2012. Passed 3-19-12.)