(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter it shall be unlawful for any person to 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 chapter. These directives shall not be construed to require any permit for a change of copy on any sign, nor 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. No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which conform with the requirements of this chapter on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated.
(B) Every sign permit issued by the Administrator shall become null and void if manufacture is not commenced within 120 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 will 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 is complied with.
(C) In emergency situations, work may be initiated and completed without first applying for a permit. However, a permit shall be applied for within 48 hours after the first working day when work has commenced on the sign.
(Ord. 81-0-8, passed 4-21-81) Penalty, see § 157.999