1383.01. Permits required.
   (a)   On-premise signs.
   Except as otherwise provided in this Code no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign in the City, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Administrator as required by this Code. These directives shall not be construed to require any permit for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified in any way.
   (b)   Off-premise signs.
   Except as otherwise provided in this Code no person shall erect, construct or enlarge (with the exception of temporary cutouts, extensions and cutout letters which shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the total area of sign face as previously approved) any off-premise sign in the City, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Administrator as required by this Code. These directives shall not be construed to require any permit for the change of copy on any sign, or the moving of sign panels and embellishments from one location to another, nor for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has been previously issued.
   (c)   Every sign permit issued by the Administrator shall become null and void if manufacture is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for 120 days any time after the work is commenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee shall be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided that no changes have been made in the original plans. Such permit may not be unreasonably withheld, providing that proper application and payment of permit fees are complied with.
   (d)   In emergency situations, where there is imminent danger of personal injury or harm to property, work may be initiated and completed without first applying for a permit. However, a permit shall be applied for within forty-eight hours after the first working day when work has commenced on the sign.
(Ord. 629-04. Passed 10-5-04.)