(a) Abandoned Signs: Except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Code, any sign located on a zoning lot that becomes vacant or unoccupied for three (3) months or more or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose that no longer applies to the zoning lot, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Permanent signs applicable to an occupancy temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management shall not be deemed abandoned unless the zoning lot remains vacant or unoccupied for a period of six (6) months or more. Any nonconforming sign that, for a period of three (3) consecutive months, advertises goods, products, services or facilities no longer available or that directs persons to a location where such goods, products, services or facilities are no longer available shall be deemed to have been abandoned.
(b) Removal of Signs by the Zoning Inspector:
(1) The Zoning Inspector shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety, such as but not limited to, an abandoned, dangerous or materially, electrically or structurally defective sign or a sign for which no permit has been issued. The Zoning Inspector shall prepare a notice describing the sign, specifying the violation involved, and stating that if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with this Chapter.
(2) Notices mailed by the Zoning Inspector shall be sent by certified mail. Time periods provided in this Chapter shall commence on the date of the receipt of the certified mail.
(3) If known, or with reasonable care should be known, the notice shall be mailed to or delivered to the owner of the sign and the occupant of the property. For all other signs, the notice shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located as shown on the last equalized assessment roll.
(4) Notwithstanding the above, in cases of emergency, the Zoning Inspector may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.
(c) Disposal of Signs; Fees:
(1) Any sign removed by the Zoning Inspector pursuant to this Zoning Code shall become the property of the City and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the City. The cost of removal of the sign by the City shall be considered a debt owed to the City by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property. Such debt may be recovered in an appropriate court action by the City or by assessment against the property as hereinafter provided. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expenses incurred by the City in connection with removal of the sign.
(2) If the Zoning Inspector determines that such sign would cause an imminent danger to the public safety, and if contact cannot be made with the sign owner or the property owner, the service of a written notice shall not be required. In such emergency the Zoning Inspector may correct the danger with costs assessed against the sign owner or property owner.
(d) Conflict of Laws: If any portion of this Chapter is found to be in conflict with any other provision of this Zoning Code or with the provisions of any building, fire, safety, or health code of the City, the provision establishing the higher standard shall prevail.
(Ord. 40-2013. Passed 4-9-13.)