All signs shall be maintained in accordance with the following:
(A) The property owner shall maintain the sign in a condition fit for the intended use and has a continuing obligation to comply with all building code requirements.
(B) Abandoned signs shall be completely removed from the premises within 60 days after such abandonment is established, unless said sign is converted to another lawful and contemporary use within that 60-day period. The supporting structure for abandoned signs shall be completely removed within a period of one year after abandonment is established, unless a new and lawful sign is established thereon.
(C) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees provided that all of the following conditions are met:
(1) There is no alteration or remodeling to the structure or the mounting of the sign itself.
(2) There is no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure.
(3) There is no change in the sign message or its design.
(4) The sign is accessory to a legally permitted, conditional or nonconforming use.
(D) If a permanent sign is deemed by the Zoning Administrator to be in an unsafe condition, the owner of the business shall be immediately notified, in writing, and shall, within seven days of such notification, correct such unsafe condition or remove the sign. The time may be extended up to 21 days by written request to the Zoning Administrator if the owner provides evidence that it is not an immediate safety risk and a contract to repair/replace has been entered. The allowable time may be reduced if the sign or sign condition poses unreasonable risk to public health and/or safety. If the correction has not been made within the time allowed, the Zoning Administrator may remove, or cause such unsafe sign to be removed, repaired or maintained at the expense of the property owner or lessee, sign owner or sign lessee. If the amount owed for the removal of such sign is not paid within 30 days of the notice, it shall become an assessment upon a lien against the property of the sign owner, and will be certified as an assessment against the property together with a 10% penalty for collection in the same manner as real estate taxes. Written notice of abatement may be given per the process outlined in § 151.3015(C).
(E) In cases of emergency, the Zoning Administrator may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective permanent sign without notice. Signs removed in this manner must present a hazard to the public safety as defined in the Ohio Basic Building Code or the City of Montgomery Traffic Code.
(Ord. 10, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)