(A) Permits required. A sign permit is required prior to construction, erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, reinstallation, or structural maintenance of any sign not subject to § 178.09 of this Chapter.
(B) Emergency Repairs. Repairs to a legally existing sign may be conducted prior to obtaining a permit in the event of an emergency imposing an imminent threat to life or property, provided, however, that any necessary permit is obtained promptly after such repairs are initiated. Emergency repairs shall be limited to returning the sign to its original permitted state.
(C) Who may apply. The following persons, or the designated agent or such persons, may apply for a sign permit:
(1) the owner of a sign for which a permit is required.
(2) the designated agent of the owner of a sign for which a permit is required.
(D) Administration. The Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall be responsible for the administration, processing, review and determination of applications for sign permits.
(E) Timing. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in this chapter, the Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall review an application for any permit for the erection, relocation, repair, or in any way pertaining to signs, and issue a written determination to the applicant within thirty (30) business days of receipt of the completed application. The review and determination period may be extended for an additional forty-five (45) business days at the request of the applicant or its agent.
(F) Grant or denial. If the application for a sign permit demonstrates that the proposed sign or the proposed work relating to a sign conforms with the requirements of this Chapter, and if all fees relating to such sign permit application have been paid, the sign permit application shall be granted. If the sign permit application does not demonstrate such conformity with the requirements of this Chapter or if all fees relating to such sign permit application have not been paid, the application shall be denied. In the event the application is denied, the Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall include the specific basis for the denial in the written determination provided to the applicant. Failure of the Administrator or the Administrator's designee to issue a final determination within the time set forth in subsection (E) above shall constitute a grant of such sign permit application.
(G) Electrical Permits. A separate electrical permit shall be required for any sign containing electrical components. If the work authorized under an electrical permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date that the electrical permit is issued, then both the electrical permit and the sign permit shall become null and void.
(H) Revocation of permit. If the person to whom a sign permit is issued fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Chapter, the Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall provide notice to the permit holder revoking such permit and specifying the reason for such revocation.
(I) Sign permit related fees.
(1) Permit fees. Fees for sign permits, including inspection fees and plan checking fees, but exclusive of any fees for any electrical permit, shall be as established by City Council by resolution pursuant to § 169.004. For the purpose of determining the sign permit fee, sign valuation shall be determined by the Administrator or the Administrator's designee.
(2) Work commenced before acquiring permit. Where work for which a sign permit is required commences prior to issuance of such the permit, the fees for such permit shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve the sign permit applicant from fully complying with the requirements of this Chapter and any other applicable regulations of the City in the execution of the work nor from any other applicable penalties. This provision shall not apply to emergency repairs under subsection (B) above.
(J) Inspections.
(1) Signs for which permits have been issued shall be inspected during and at completion of construction and at such times as deemed necessary by the Administrator or the Administrator's designee. The Administrator and the Administrator's designee are empowered to enter or inspect any building, structure or premises in the City upon which or in connection with which a sign is located, for the purpose of inspecting the sign, including its structural details and electrical connections, to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Chapter. Such inspections shall be carried out during normal business hours, unless an emergency exists.
(2) When an inspection reveals maintenance, repair, or other remedial action is needed, the Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall provide notice to the property owner, and the sign permit holder (if not the property owner) identifying the needed remedial action. The owner shall have ten (10) business days to complete the remedial action or remove the sign.
(3) Construction inspections. Any person constructing, erecting or relocating a sign for which a permit is required shall notify the Administrator or the Administrator's designee at all stages of construction that require inspection and approval by the Building Division. The requirements for such inspections are as follows:
(a) a footing inspection for all detached signs shall be required;
(b) a final structural inspection shall be required at completion of the work on all types of signs; and
(c) a final electrical inspection shall be required on all signs containing electrical components and wiring to be connected to an electrical energy source.
(Ord. 2017-39, passed 6-15-2017)