§ 32-64. Removal or repair of deteriorating, obsolete, abandoned or unsafe signs.

(a)

All signs must be kept clean, neatly painted, free from all hazards including, but not limited to, faulty wiring and loose fastenings, and be maintained in a safe condition at all times so as not to be detrimental to the public health and safety. The owner of the property on which a sign is located and the owner of the sign shall be jointly responsible for the conditions of the area occupied by the sign and shall be required to keep the area clean, sanitary and free from rubbish; and failure to comply with this section shall constitute a violation of this chapter. In the event that the sign inspector determines that any sign is not properly maintained, he shall give written notice to the person responsible for such sign. If the sign is not repaired or removed within 60 days of such notice, the permit shall be revoked and the sign inspector is hereby authorized to cause the removal of the sign. If such sign cannot be demolished because it is painted on a non-sign structure, such sign shall be painted over or removed by sandblasting.

(b)

Any sign for which the sign inspector or his designee has made the following determination shall be subject to immediate removal without further notice to any party who may be affected by the removal:

(1)

The private party sign is located or erected, without permission, consent or authorization, on property either owned by the city or held by the city for public use including, but not limited to, property such as medians, parkways, streets, sidewalks, alleys or parks; or

(2)

The private party sign is an immediate danger to the public, whether because of its location, the manner of its construction, its potential for causing fire, or any other reason, and must be removed to prevent potential danger to the public.

(c)

An on-premises sign shall be removed by the owner within six months after the first anniversary of the date the business, person, or activity that the sign identifies or advertises ceases to operate on the premises on which the sign is located. If the premises containing the sign is leased, the sign shall be removed within six months after the second anniversary after the date the most recent tenant ceases to operate on the premises. If the sign is not removed within the time periods set forth in this subsection, it shall be subject to removal by the city under the applicable provisions of this section.

(d)

All costs incurred by the city for removal of a sign under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid by the owner of the sign, land, building, or structure. The sign inspector shall also request that the city council file a lien against the property in the amount of the cost of any and all such work.

(Ord. No. 10-07, § 1(exh. A(15-233(C))), 3-15-2010)