§ 28-47. Unsafe signs declared nuisances, abatement.

(a)

Any sign or sign structure that is structurally unsafe and any electrical system or equipment regulated by this chapter that is unsafe or that constitutes a fire or health hazard, unsanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life is hereby declared unsafe. Any use of a sign or sign structure, an electrical system, or equipment regulated by this chapter constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of improper installation, inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage, and/or abandonment is hereby declared an unsafe use. Any such unsafe sign, sign structure, or equipment is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal (i.e., when permitted by this and other city codes).

(b)

Exception. When done in compliance with this chapter and other applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations the nuisance may be abated by repair, rehabilitation, or removal and replacement.

(c)

Should the building official determine that any sign is not properly maintained, is unsafe or insecure, or has otherwise been constructed, erected, and/or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter—the official shall give written notice to the permittee or owner thereof. Such notice and order shall contain substantially the following:

(1)

The registration number (if available), location, business name of the sign, and sufficient identification of such sign;

(2)

A statement that the building official has found such sign to be in violation of this chapter or other laws, together with a general description of such violation;

(3)

The amount of time required to bring the sign into accordance with this chapter or any other law, said time not to exceed ten (10) days.

(d)

In addition to the above, the building official may issue citations or pursue any other administrative or legal remedy in order to abate any sign which is in violation of this code or any other law.

(e)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the building official may cause any sign which is dangerous to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

(f)

The owner of all buildings or structures damaged by deterioration or by fire shall notify the building official and the building development services director in writing at the earliest possible opportunity, but in any case no later than ten (10) business days after the date of the damage. The building official shall, at the earliest possible opportunity, but in any case no later than ten (10) business days inspect such buildings or structures and all unsafe signs, sign structures, and/or wiring or electrical equipment that shall be repaired or replaced. If the building official learns of the damage, the building official shall conduct an inspection at the earliest possible opportunity, but in any case no later than ten (10) business days; applicable inspection fees shall be accessed.

(g)

Any work covered or concealed without inspection shall be considered constitutive of an unsafe sign or sign structure. Unsafe structures shall remain considered as such every day until the work is inspected and approved as being in compliance with this chapter. Inspections will not be permitted until a valid active permit is obtained in accordance with this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2017-O-044 , § 1, 10-3-17)