(a) Application and Permit Procedure.
(1) Applications for sign permits shall contain the following information:
A. Two copies of plans and/or blueprints to scale of signage including details of fastenings, lighting and any lettering, symbols or other identification which will be on the sign.
B. A site plan of a proposed ground sign location showing the distance from the public right-of-way and relationship to access drives, parking areas and buildings or a facade elevation of proposed wall or window signs showing the height and proportions of the sign.
C. Any information peculiar to a particular sign application, which is necessary to uphold the provisions of this chapter.
(2) All applications for both temporary and permanent signs in the Uptown District must be submitted to the Uptown Review Board. The Board shall have the right to approve, approve with modifications or disapprove the application. The repair and maintenance of such signs shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 1149. Such Board shall also determine at public hearing when a sign in the Uptown District is abandoned as is provided for in Section 1181.10. The Uptown Review Board shall act on all sign applications within a reasonable time after receipt of the completed application.
(3) Except as otherwise provided above, all applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer, who shall act on the application within 30 days of receipt of the completed application.
(b) Zoning Officer.
(1) The Zoning Officer shall regulate and enforce the requirements of this chapter, and shall be in charge of issuing all sign permits. Permits for signs subject to the approval of the Uptown Review Board shall not be issued until such approval is certified to the Zoning Officer.
(2) The Zoning Officer shall have the power to approve or disapprove all requests for temporary sign permits, except for signs located within the Uptown District. The Zoning Officer shall, however, implement and enforce the Uptown Review Board’s decisions.
(3) No sign, except for municipally owned signs and signs authorized by the City Manager for community events and programs which are sponsored by nonprofit, public, educational, religious and charitable organizations, shall be placed in, on or above the public right-of-way including on utility poles. The Planning and Zoning Officer or his designee may effect removal of any sign illegally placed within the right of way of any road within the Municipality. The Planning and Zoning Officer shall maintain said sign for 5 days. If the owner fails to contact the Planning and Zoning Officer or claim the same sign within 5 days, said sign may be destroyed.
(c) Sign Fees. In order to defray the cost of examination of plans and inspections, an applicant for a sign permit and/or a variance shall pay a fee in accordance with the fee schedule adopted and approved by City Council.
(Ord. 01-81. Passed 1-15-02.)