(a) In the event that a sign, sign structure, or both are deemed by the ZEO, PMEO, SSD, or City Engineer to be a serious hazard, such hazard shall be abated in accordance with Part Thirteen of these Codified Ordinances, the Ohio Building Code, or both, as applicable.
(b) The ZEO, PMEO, SSD, or City Engineer, as applicable shall determine the level of risk and recommend deadlines for compliance to the ZEO who shall be responsible for notification of the hazard and deadlines for repair or removal.
(c) In the event of a determination of imminent threat to life-safety, the ZEO may cause such sign, sign structure, or both to be removed summarily and without notice. The person, firm, or corporation having property ownership or other legal control of the sign, sign structure, or both, shall be individually and separately liable for the expense incurred in the removal of such sign, sign structure, or both.
(d) Where there is no imminent threat to life-safety, the ZEO shall notify, in writing, the owner of the property on which the sign is located. Upon receiving notification that a sign has been determined to be a hazard, the owner shall have the sign removed within thirty (30) days, or shall file an appeal to the BZA in accordance with Section 1103.07. The filing of such an appeal shall stay the time for removal of the sign pending a final decision of the BZA. If thereafter the property owner does not remove the sign, the ZEO shall take appropriate steps to have the sign removed and bill the property owner. If the bill is not paid, the costs will be incorporated into a lien on the property and collected with property taxes.
(e) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the repair or restoration to a safe condition of such hazardous conditions subject to safeguards and approvals in accordance with applicable codes.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)