(A) All signs and all components thereof, including without limitation supports, braces, and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair. With respect to freestanding signs, components (supporting structures, backs, and the like) not bearing a message shall be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment, or shall be painted a neutral color to blend with the natural environment.
(B) If a sign other than a billboard advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprises or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.
(C) If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting shell of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors, or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 30 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign. This division (C) shall not be construed to alter the effect of § 152.445(C) which prohibits the replacement of a nonconforming sign. Also, this division (C) shall not be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.
(D) The area within ten feet in all direction of any part of a freestanding sign shall be kept clear of all debris and all undergrowth more than five inches in height.
(Ord. passed 12-20-2001) Penalty, see § 152.999