Permanent signs shall not be altered, erected or maintained except in conformity with the provisions of this section.

It shall be unlawful to erect or display a new sign or make any changes to an existing sign without first filing an application for a sign permit with the Administrative Officer unless such sign is exempted by this Ordinance.

No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause confusion or danger to street traffic by obscuring the view or by simulating official, directional or warning signs maintained by any governmental body, railroad or public utility concerned with the protection of public health or safety. This shall include any sign visible from the public right-of-way which imitates or simulates a traffic control device.

No sign shall be placed in any required sight triangle unless specifically permitted by the approving authority. Signs placed in a sight triangle must comply with the provisions of Subsection 157.5.

An abandoned sign shall be repaired, replaced or removed within 30 days upon written notification by the Construction Official or Code Enforcement Officer. Any visible area where a sign is replaced or removed shall be repaired and/or painted to match the remaining structure. All cracked, warped or broken members of a sign shall be replaced. Deteriorated surfaces which evidence rusting, flaking or cracking shall be replaced or repaired. All broken or cracked glass shall be replaced.

All illuminated signs shall be either indirectly lighted or be of the diffused lighting type. Ground signs, if illuminated, shall be illuminated by an exterior source only in accordance with Subsection 155.11b, except that ground signs in the B-3 zone may be internally illuminated. No sign shall be lighted by using any unshielded light source, unshielded incandescent bulbs, mirrors reflecting a direct light source or similar devices. Buildings or structures, including doors and windows may not be outlined by tubing or strings of lights for advertising purposes.