§ 17-205. Sign and premises maintenance.

(a) In general.

(1) All signs and the premises surrounding them must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, free and clear of all noxious substances, rubbish, and weeds.

(2) All unused sign hardware or wiring must be removed.

(b) Permissible Activities.

The following activities are allowed with proper permits as long as there is no increase in sign dimensions or change in structure:

(1) changing the copy or message on an existing changeable copy sign, whether illuminated or non-illuminated;

(2) painting, repainting, cleaning, changing allowed items of information, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, including replacement of lights and sign face, but not involving structural changes or the change in the size of the sign;

(3) refacing an existing sign, unless located in an Historical and Architectural Preservation District or listed on a Landmark List: Exteriors or a Special List: Exteriors, in which case the proposed activity must be referred to the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation in accordance with its review process;

(4) replacement of the digital screen on an electronic sign;

(5) replacement of broken or physically damaged sign supports; and

(6) modifications necessary to improve the safety of existing signs.

(c) Enforcement.

(1) Notice of violation.

If the Building Official finds that any sign or other structure defined in this title is unsafe or insecure, or has been constructed, erected or is being maintained in violation of this title, the Building Official must give written notice to the sign permit holder, if applicable, and the property owner.

(2) City removal on failure to cure.

If the sign permit holder or the property owner fails to cure the violation, the sign may be removed by the City at the expense of the sign permit holder or the property owner.

(3) City removal of immediate peril.

The City may cause any sign or other structure defined in this title that is an immediate peril to individuals or property to be removed summarily and without notice.