(A) Sign inspection.
(1) Responsibility for compliance. The owner of any property on which a sign is located is declared to be responsible for the permit, erection, inspection, safety, condition, and removal of a sign.
(2) Inspection of new signs. All signs for which a permit has been issued shall be inspected by the Hamilton County building official when erected. Approval shall be granted only if the sign has been constructed in compliance with the approved plans and applicable requirements of all codes.
(3) Inspection before enclosure. In cases where fastenings or anchorages are to be eventually bricked in or otherwise enclosed, the sign erector shall advise the Hamilton County building official when such fastenings are to be installed so that inspection may be completed before enclosure.
(4) Inspection of existing signs. The Hamilton County building official may, at such times as deemed necessary, inspect any sign allowed under this section and, if upon inspection, a sign is found to be unsafe or in a condition that does not comply with all the provisions of this section, the Hamilton County building official shall give notice of that condition to the owner of the sign and cause the necessary repairs or alterations to be made, or require removal of the sign.
(B) Sign maintenance.
(1) Maintenance of signs. All signs for which a permit is required, as well as those that are
exempt from the requirement of a permit, as set forth in § 155.126, and all structural supports shall:
(a) Be kept in compliance with the plans and specifications filed and approved for issuance of the construction permit;
(b) Be kept and maintained in a safe condition, consistent with adopted building and mechanical codes; and
(c) At all times conform to all provisions of this chapter.
(2) Correction of defects. If the Hamilton County building official finds that any sign is unsafe, insecure, improperly constructed, or poorly maintained, the owner of the sign shall make the sign safe and secure by completing any necessary reconstruction or repairs, or entirely remove the sign in accordance with the timetable established by the Hamilton County building official. Existing signs determined to be unsafe and an immediate hazard to health or safety shall be removed or repaired within 24 hours of notification.
(3) Obsolete signs.
(a) Signs which are no longer functional, in disrepair, or are abandoned for more than 60 days, shall be removed, at the expense of the owner of the property on which the sign is located, within 30 days following notice of non-compliance. The owner shall be notified by certified mail. If the sign is not removed within 30 days, the City Manager may cause the sign to be removed and assess the cost of removal against the property.
(b) A sign which no longer identifies a use, product, business or entity located on the property, but is otherwise in conformity with the other provisions of this Code, may remain in place if the sign face is completely covered or obscured by a blank panel attached within the frame of the sign. In such case, the sign shall be permitted to remain for a period not to exceed 120 days. Following expiration of the 120 days, the sign shall be removed, at the expense of the owner of the property on which the sign is located, unless identifying a new use, product, business or entity located on the property.
(C) Sign removal. The City Manager may obtain a court order to compel removal of a sign that is obsolete or otherwise in violation of this section. The cost of removal shall be added as a lien on the property tax rolls.
(Res. 21-1165, passed 7-20-21)