(a) Permit Required for Signs. All signs, except as provided in Section 1337.10, shall require a permit issued by the Building and Zoning Commissioner. The Commissioner is authorized to process permits and variances, enforce all provisions of this code, and to promulgate regulations and procedures consistent with this function and intent of this code. The Commissioner or his designee is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure or premises in the City for the purpose of inspection of a sign and its structural and electrical connections to insure compliance with all applicable codes. Such inspections shall be carried out during normal working hours unless an emergency exists.
(b) Application for Permits. Application for a permit for the installation, erection, alteration or relocation of a sign shall be made to the Building and Zoning Commissioner upon a form provided which shall include: the name and address of the owner of the sign; name and address of the installing sign contractor; street address or location of the property on which the sign is to be located; the type of sign or sign structure as defined by this code; a site plan of the entire property, drawn to scale, with measurements showing the proposed location of the sign along with the locations of all existing signs on the same premises; construction documents, specifications, and drawings showing the details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage, materials, design, dimensions, structural supports foundations, electrical components and other pertinent data of the proposed sign in sufficient detail to show compliance with the requirements of this code and the building code.
(c) Permit Fees. All applications for permits shall be made prior to the erection of or beginning of construction of any sign and accompanied by a payment of the initial permit fee for each sign as set forth below. A permit issued after the erection of or the beginning of construction of a sign will be double the amount set forth below for each sign. This does not relieve any person of any other penalty or requirements under this code.
Plan review and permit | $40.00 |
Site inspection | $15.00 |
Electrical inspection for illuminated signs | $8.00 |
Re-inspection | $25.00 |
Filing for appeal | see OMC 1107.09 |
OBBC surcharge relating to multi-family, institutional, commercial and industrial projects (ORC 3781.102(F)) | 3% of total |
Special or seasonal event signs | No charge |
(d) Issuance and Denial. The Building and Zoning Commissioner shall issue a permit and permit sticker or tag for the erection, structural alteration, or relocation of a sign within thirty (30) days of receipt of valid application, provided the sign complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the City. In all applications where a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail. When a permit application is denied, a written notice shall be provided to the applicant along with abrief statement of the reasons for denial. An issued permit shall be revoked or suspended for any discovered false information found in the application.
(e) Inspections Required. Any person installing, altering or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued shall notify the office of the Building and Zoning Commissioner when such work is ready for inspection. The Building and Zoning Commissioner can require at the time of issuance of a permit that written notification of inspection of construction compliance be submitted prior to the installation of certain signs.
(f) Periodic Inspection and Repair of Signs. The Building and Zoning Commissioner and or his designee shall periodically inspect signs in the City to insure continued compliance with the code and proper maintenance. Whenever the Commissioner determines a sign requires alteration or repair, he shall provide written notice to the owner directing him to make such necessary alterations or repairs to bring the sign into compliance. The owner shall be given reasonable time to comply, but no longer than ten (10) working days from the date of notice. Failure to comply with the notice or an immediate safety threat to the public shall result in the removal of all or a part of the sign by the City at the owner's expense.
(Ord. 044-2008. Passed 3-10-08.)