It shall be unlawful to erect, paint, alter, reword, locate or relocate, reconstruct or change in any manner a sign or signs without first having obtained, and having in force and effect, a permit from the Zoning Official.

The Zoning Official shall issue permits only for such signs as are specifically allowed for the particular premises and Zone District in which the premises are located.

Every sign for which a permit has been issued pursuant to this chapter shall show the permit number.

Before any such permit is granted for the erection, painting, alteration, rewording, locating or relocating, reconstruction or change in any manner of a sign or sign structure, an application, together with plans and specifications, shall be filed with the Zoning Official showing the wording, coloration, dimensions, materials and details of construction, including loads, stresses, support and anchorage. The application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and all data which the Zoning Official may require to determine if such sign complies with all provisions of this chapter, including certification by an architect or a professional engineer of its structural adequacy. The property owner shall be advised by the Zoning Official, at the time of the application for the permit to erect the sign, of his prospective liability for the cost of removal in the event the permittee fails to do so.

The Zoning Official shall thereafter refuse to issue a permit for the erection of any sign in the Township of Belleville to any person, organization, business, or owner of premises until the fine is resolved.

Any sign which has been erected illegally shall be removed from said premises within 10 days from receipt of a written order to do so from the Zoning Official.