(a) The Department is authorized to order the removal, repair or maintenance of any sign which constitutes a nuisance (defined as being a threat to the safety of persons or property), or for which the required permit has not been obtained, or which violates any provision of this chapter. Every such order shall be served upon the owner or person in possession of the sign by personal or certified mail service, provided that, where service has been refused or unclaimed, no further service or notice shall be required, and the time for compliance shall commence from the date such service refusal or failure to claim is entered in the records of the Department.
(b) Whenever the removal, repair or maintenance of any permanent sign has been ordered by the Department, the owner or person in possession of such sign shall comply with such order within fourteen (14) days after notice is served upon him. Whenever the removal, repair or maintenance of a temporary or portable sign has been ordered by the Department, the owner or person in possession of such sign shall comply with the order within twenty-four (24) hours after notice is served upon him. In the event of noncompliance, the Department may seek an order of removal from a court of competent jurisdiction, or may pursue criminal action against the owner and/or person in possession in accordance with the appropriate provisions of this chapter and Code relating to violations. If, following an inspection, the Department determines that any sign constitutes an immediate danger to the public safety the Department may effect the immediate removal of said sign without regard to the time intervals for compliance cited above, at the sign owner's expense. Removal of a sign shall include the sign face, enclosing frame, all sign supporting members and base, unless otherwise specified in the order to remove.
(Ord. 12-O-60. Passed 9-4-12.)