(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to establish any sign within the jurisdictional area of this chapter, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Building Inspector as required by this chapter. These directives shall not be construed to require any permit for a change of copy for legal changeable copy, nor for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified in any way to violate the standards or provisions of this chapter. No permit is required for signs which are exempted from permits elsewhere in this chapter. No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which conform with the requirements of this chapter on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated in violation of this chapter. A permit must be secured when the fee ownership of the property upon which the sign is located has been changed, or when the ground upon which the sign is situated has been leased to a new tenant.
(B) Every sign permit issued by the Building Inspector shall become null and void if the sign is not established within six months after the issuance of such permit. Signs which require approval by the Commission must be established within one year after the date such approval is granted or such approval shall become null and void. Signs which require variance approval from the Board shall be established within one year.
(C) No person shall establish any sign upon any property or building without the consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building, if any, or his or her authorized representative.
(D) Application for a permit shall be made to the Building Inspector upon a form provided by the Building Inspector and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to assure compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations of the town including, but not limited to:
(1) Name and address of the owner of the sign;
(2) Name and address of the owner (fee owner) of the premises where the sign is to be located;
(3) Name and address of the person leasing the premises (if applicable);
(4) Clear and legible drawing(s) clearly indicating the proposed location of the sign which is the subject of the permit and all other existing signs that require permits, when such signs are on the same premises; and
(5) Drawings showing the dimensions, construction supports, sizes, electrical wiring and components, materials and design of the sign and method of attachment. The design, quality, materials, and loading shall conform to the requirements of the Building Official’s and Administrative Code (BOAC), as amended. If required by the Building Inspector, engineering data shall be supplied on plans submitted certified by a duly licensed engineer.
(E) The Building Inspector shall issue a permit for the establishment of a sign when an application therefor has been properly made to the town. The person establishing a sign shall notify the Building Inspector upon completion of the work for which permits are required, and shall submit a color photograph of the established sign to the Building Inspector. All signs shall be subject to an inspection by the Inspector.
(F) The Building Inspector may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this subchapter whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud after due notice by and hearing before the Building Inspector. When a sign permit is denied or revoked by the Building Inspector, he or she shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial. No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign. An appeal may be taken to the Board from either the Building Inspector’s denial or revocation of a permit or from the failure of the Building Inspector to formally grant or deny a permit within 30 days.
(G) (1) The application, including all required documentation, shall be filed with the Building Inspector together with the appropriate permit fee.
(2) If any sign is hereafter erected, placed, installed to or otherwise established on any property before obtaining a permit as required herein, the fees specified shall be doubled.
(3) Payment of such double fee shall not relieve any person from compliance with other provisions of this code and penalties prescribed herein.
(2004 Code, § 7-1407) (Ord. 1068, passed 9-30-2003)