10-9-11: REMOVAL/IMPOUNDMENT OF PROHIBITED SIGNS:
   (A)   All signs listed in section 10-9-10 of this chapter and other prohibited or noncompliant signs shall be considered a public nuisance and are prohibited by this chapter. Upon identification of any prohibited sign, the building official shall provide written notification of the violation to the owner of the property on which the prohibited sign is located and/or the permittee of the sign. The notification shall state that the offending sign shall be removed by the property owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the land, building or structure upon which such sign is located within the time period prescribed by the building official after written notification to do so. The notification shall further state that if the prohibited sign is not removed within a specific time frame (not to exceed 10 days) a citation may be issued and the city may resort to any civil remedy available up to and including impoundment. If any sign is determined to present an immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare, the city may remove it immediately. Within ten (10) days of the removal of the sign, the city shall notify the owner of the property on which the sign was located of the reasons for removal of the sign.
Signs authorized by a sign permit with an expiration date shall be removed promptly upon the date of expiration. Signs remaining after the date of expiration shall be deemed prohibited. The sign permit listing the expiration date shall be considered adequate notice of violation.
   (B)   It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation receiving such written notice or having an expired permit to fail to comply with the direction of the notice. In the event failure to comply with such notice provided under subsection (A) of this section, the building official is hereby authorized to cause the removal and impoundment of such sign. Any expenses incident thereto shall be the responsibility of the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the land, building or structure upon which such sign was located.
   (C)   If a sign is placed within the public right of way or on a city owned property in violation of this chapter, the sign may be immediately removed and impounded. (Ord. 2957, 12-8-2008)