11.2.1 Applicability. It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, modify, move, or replace any sign or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a zoning permit pursuant to Article 4.12.1 for such sign from the town.
11.2.2 Application requirements. An application for a zoning permit to allow a sign shall be submitted in accordance with Article 4.1.3 (Application Requirements).
Applications for permits shall contain or have attached the following information:
A. The street number and/or the tax parcel number for the zoning lot on which the sign is to be located;
B. The name, address, and telephone number for the applicant and the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, and for the licensed contractor erecting or affixing the sign;
C. If the applicant is not the owner of the property on which the sign will be located, a copy of the lease agreement between the property owner and the applicant or other legally constituted authorization;
D. A site plan, diagram, or aerial photo of the property involved, showing accurate placement of the proposed sign(s) including setbacks, all structures, access easements, adjacent streets and right-of- ways, and other relevant site information;
E. One copy of scaled drawings of the plans and specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed. Such plans shall include, but shall not be limited to, details of dimensions, materials, copy, and size of the proposed sign. For wall signs, dimensions of the building wall on which the sign is to be affixed and the location and the size of existing wall signs shall also be included;
F. Any structures (e.g., walls, columns, and the like) adjacent to an entry or identification sign shall be shown in the application; and
G. Any information that the UDO Administrator may require to determine full compliance with this and other applicable codes. All signs shall meet the International Building Code with North Carolina amendments.
11.2.3 Action by UDO Administrator. Following completion of the technical reviews by staff, the UDO Administrator shall approve the permit, provided the sign meets all requirements of this ordinance and all other applicable electrical and construction requirements of the International Building Code with North Carolina amendment requirements.
11.2.4 Revocation and removal.
A. Any zoning permit issued in accordance with this ordinance shall expire unless the work for which the permit was issued has visibly been started within 365 days of the date of issue or if the work authorized by it is suspended, not completed, or abandoned for 180 days.
B. The UDO Administrator or designee shall have the authority to order the painting, repair, or removal of any sign that ceases functionality, or that constitutes a hazard to the health, safety, or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or obsolescence. Notice to the owner shall be by personal service or registered mail, return receipt requested. Upon notification, the owner shall have 30 days to remediate shortcomings. Failure to do so within the appropriate time frame may result in the town proceeding with legal actions pursuant to Article 6, Enforcement.
C. Any sign erected or posted in violation of, or not in accordance with, provisions contained in this Article is subject to an order of immediate removal. If the violator fails to remove the sign when ordered to do so, the UDO Administrator may take necessary action to have the sign removed. A failure on the part of the responsible person to remove the sign will also result in enforcement pursuant to Article 6.
D. When a sign has been removed by the UDO Administrator, the violator shall be given a written notice that the sign will be held at a designated location for a period of not more than 15 days so that it may be collected by the owner or the violator.
11.2.5 Appeal. Final action on a zoning permit may be appealed to the BOA in accordance with Article 4.10 (Appeal of Administrative Decision).
(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)