(a) Construction. All signs that require a permit except temporary signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than that required by the Building Code. Applications for such signs shall be submitted to the Building Official or his/her designee. The Building Official or his/her designee shall examine the plans and specifications to determine if they comply with the Building Code. In addition to the foregoing construction requirements:
(1) All banners, where permitted, shall be securely fastened on all four corners to an immovable object.
(2) The sign face of a canopy sign shall not extend beyond the canopy surface more than six inches.
(3) A fascia sign shall not extend more than one foot out from the vertical wall to which it is attached nor more than one foot out at the sign's closest point from non vertical wall to which it is attached.
(4) All free standing signs shall be securely fastened to the ground.
(b) Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in such a manner as to avoid becoming a hazardous sign. All signs regulated by this chapter shall be maintained in such a condition so that the sign face and the sign supporting structure is safe and in compliance with the regulations adopted in Chapter 1305 of the Codified Ordinances. All signs shall be maintained by repairing or replacing surfaces which are severely weathered, severely faded, torn, flaking or chipping, or have streaked or running characters or graphics. At such time that maintenance is performed, no change in the existing sign shall occur to alter the sign to make the sign nonconforming or nonconforming to any greater degree than at the time of adoption of this code.
(c) Removal. In accordance with the following procedure, the Building Official or his/her designee shall be authorized to require the removal of any prohibited sign. The Building Official shall use the procedure specified in Chapters 1323 and 1324 of the Codified Ordinances for notifying a property owner or sign owner to remove such prohibited sign.
(d) Sign Abandonment. The following signs shall be regulated in accordance with the criteria indicated: Abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be removed by the sign owner immediately upon becoming an abandoned sign.