1185.06 MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL.

   (a)    All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, attractive condition, free of structural defects and electrical violations so as not to constitute a blight or deteriorating influence on adjacent property or a safety hazard. Signs which no longer serve the purpose for which they were intended or which have been abandoned or are not maintained in accordance with this section, and other applicable regulations of the Municipality shall be removed by the person on whose premises such sign is displayed or by the Municipality at the expense of such person. Any commercial sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bonafide business conducted shall be removed. These removal provisions shall not apply where a succeeding owner or lessee conducts the same type of business and agrees to maintain the sign as provided in this chapter or changes copy on the signs to advertise the type of business being conducted, and provided the sign complies with all other provisions of this chapter.

   (b)    The Building Department shall inspect, as it deems necessary, each sign or other structure regulated by this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is secure or whether it is in need of removal or repair.

   (c)    The occupant or owner of any premises upon which a violation of this chapter is apparent or the owner of any sign placed or remaining anywhere in violation of this chapter shall be deemed responsible for the violation so evidenced and subject to the penalty provided therefor.

   (d)    Upon removal of signs, the area affected shall be substantially restored to its original condition before the sign was erected or attached. Non-inclusive example: Any holes in a building or wall thereof or in the ground shall be repaired and restored substantially to their original status. (Ord. 2019-09. Passed 4-15-19.)