(a) Zoning Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Code, no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert a sign in the Village without first obtaining a zoning permit for such sign from the Zoning Inspector. A fee, as established by the Village Council, shall accompany an application for such zoning permit.
(b) Zoning Permit Exceptions. The actions in subsections (b)(1) through (3) below do not require a zoning permit for an existing conforming sign. Requirements for changes to non-conforming signs are set forth in Section 1280.14
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(1) Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing changeable copy sign or a similar approved sign, whether illuminated or non-illuminated;
(2) Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes; and
(3) Any other operation which does not modify the sign or sign structure for any existing conforming sign.
(c) Planning Commission Review. The Planning Commission shall review, as part of a Site Plan Review, all signs proposed for the site.
(d) Maintenance. Every sign in the Village, including signs for which a zoning permit is not required, shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. The Zoning Inspector shall inspect and have the authority to order the repair, alteration or removal of signs which become dilapidated.
(e) Dangerous Signs. The Village may declare a sign unlawful and order its removal if it endangers public safety by reasons of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment. Any such declaration shall state the reasons of the Village for stating that the sign constitutes a safety hazard to the general public.
(f) Removal by the Village. In emergency cases, the Village may instigate the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. The cost of removal of the sign by the Village shall be considered a debt owed to the Village by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property and may be recovered in an appropriate court action by the Village or by assessment against the property. The cost of removal shall include any incidental expense incurred by the Village in connection with the sign removal.
(g) Abandoned Signs. Except as otherwise provided in this Zoning Ordinance, a sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of two months or more, or a sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned and must be removed. All abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be removed by the owners of the signs or the owners of the premises at such owner's expense.
(h) Building Code Review. All signs shall be subject to the applicable requirements of the Ohio Building Code. In case of a conflict between any provision of this section and a provision of such Code, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
(i) Violations. In case any sign is erected or maintained in violation of this section, the Zoning Inspector shall notify, in writing, the owner or lessee of the property on which said sign is located to alter the sign so as to comply with this Code. Failure to comply with the written order of the Zoning Inspector shall be punishable as stated in Section 1260.15.
(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)