§ 7-19. Maintenance of signs.

(a)

It is unlawful for any person to fail to maintain a sign in sound structural condition.

(b)

Signs and sign structures shall be maintained at all times in a state of good repair, safe and secure condition, with all braces, bolts, supporting frame, and fastenings free from deterioration, termite infestation, rot, rust, or loosening, and able to withstand at all times the wind pressure for which they were originally designed.

(c)

Sign supports, structures and faces of all exterior surfaces that are covered with paint shall be regularly painted to prevent rusting, peeling, or blistering surfaces.

(d)

Any sign or sign support which varies, leans, or lists fifteen (15) degrees or more from horizontal or vertical original design (unless approved as part of the original design) shall be considered as requiring maintenance, and shall be repaired or removed by the owner. If left unrepaired for a period exceeding thirty (30) days, the sign shall be deemed dilapidated.

(e)

At no time shall a sign's internal lighting or internal structure be exposed unless it is actively under repair.

(f)

Upon a change of tenant or property owner, or upon a vacancy of the property, all signs shall be removed or maintained by painting or covering the message portion of the sign, installing a blank face on the sign, or otherwise bringing it into compliance with this chapter so as to leave the message portion and supporting structure neat and unobtrusive in appearance as provided below:

(1)

Like material. Only the same, like, or better quality material as that being replaced shall be used as a sign face. The face of the supporting structure must be one which the supporting structure is designed to support.

(2)

Routed, embossed, or raised messages or sign copy must not be visible to the ordinary observer, if the face or message is blanked.

(3)

Covered messages.

a.

Signs shall be painted in order to "blank" the face. However, the paint must completely cover the sign face or message portion of the structure. The covered, painted over message must not show through the paint.

b.

Sign faces must be covered by a material or substance which renders the resulting sign face completely blank, opaque, and resistant to deterioration. Canvas covers or tarps are not allowed. It is a violation of this chapter to allow a message to bleed or show through the paint or covering.

(Ord. No. 2009-9034, § 1, 1-8-09; Ord. No. 2018-10043, § 1, 4-5-18)

Editor's note

See the editor's note following section 7-18.