Prescott City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs, Canopies, Awnings and Billboards
§ 635-58 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish minimum standards to safeguard life and property and promote public welfare and community aesthetics by regulating the appearance, construction, location and maintenance of all signs, awnings, canopies and billboards. The provisions herein contained shall be binding alike upon every owner of a building, every lessee and every person in charge or responsible for or who causes the construction, repair, relocation or alteration of any outdoor sign and other advertising structures in the City of Prescott; painting, posting and general maintenance are excepted.
§ 635-59 Definitions.
The following definitions are used in this article:
The area is the perimeter, which forms the outside shape, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed unless they are designed as part of the sign. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. The area of an irregularly shaped sign shall be computed using the actual sign face surface. The area of the irregularly shaped sign shall be the entire area within a single continuous rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines. A window sign, which creates a translucent window panel, will be calculated at 50% of the panel size in determining total signage.
A temporary hood or cover which projects from the wall of the building, which can be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of a supporting structure.
A strip of fabric which is used as a sign and is stretched across two points.
The unreasonable obstruction of view of a sign caused by the placement of another sign.
A shelter, with or without a sign, attached to or connected with a building and extending into a setback or over the public sidewalk.
A day shall be designated as a period of time in terms of calendar days.
Any sign designed to give any artificial light directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source of light originating within or on such sign.
Any sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include offices and church directories. Directory signs shall be encouraged for use with advertising of multiple-occupied commercial and industrial buildings.
Any sign whose message may be changed by electronic process, including such messages as copy, art, graphics, time, date, temperature, weather or information concerning civic or charitable events or the advertising of products or services for sale on the premises.
Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign on which artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building.
Any sign which carries only the name of the firm, major enterprise, institution or principal products offered for sale on the premises or combination of these.
A sign that is illuminated from a source outside of the actual sign.
A permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against weather.
Any sign attached to and made part of a marquee.
Any sign which does not conform to the regulations of this article.
Any sign, device or display which advertises goods other than those commonly available or services other than those commonly performed on the premises on which the sign is located or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.
Any sign displaying a candidate for an election or a current referendum or election subject matter.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground which is designed to be easily moved from one location to another or which is displayed only during regular business hours and removed for storage at other times.
Any sign extending more than 18 inches but less than four feet from the face of a wall or building; such sign may not extend more than three feet into the right-of-way.
Any sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
Any sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building.
A sign shall include anything that promotes, calls attention or invites patronage (or anything similar to the aforementioned) to a business, location or product.
Any sign which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time not to exceed 30 consecutive days or which is displayed only during regular business hours and removed for storage at other times. A temporary sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area. Examples of temporary signs include banners and decorative type displays. For purposes of this chapter, a portable sign is not a temporary sign.
Any sign attached to, erected on or painted on the wall of a building or structure and projecting not more than 18 inches from such wall.
Any sign located completely within an enclosed building and visible from a public way.
§ 635-60 Required permits for signs, canopies and awnings.
A.
Application. Except for those specified in § 635-61, no signs, billboards, awnings or canopies shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a sign permit and without being in conformity with provisions of this article. The sign shall also meet all other structural requirements of other applicable codes and ordinances of the City of Prescott. Signs shall not be erected or altered until the Zoning Administrator has issued a permit. "Altered" shall be defined as any modification in the size, height, dimensions, location or mounting of a sign other than routine maintenance.
B.
Required information. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Zoning Administrator which contain the following information about the sign: dimensions, including display surface; materials; illumination; wiring; height above grade; distance from lot lines; and the person, firm or corporation erecting or altering the sign. A permit is not required for a copy change when no change in business name is involved.
C.
Permit fees. A permit fee shall be paid to the Zoning Administrator for each sign permit issued under this article; provided, however, that a fee shall not be charged for putting an existing sign in conformity with this article, or for a copy change when no change in business name is involved.
D.
Bonds and insurance.
(1)
Every applicant for a permit may, before the permit is granted, be required by the Zoning Administrator and/or the City Clerk, Plan Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals to execute a surety bond or show evidence of liability insurance coverage in an amount to be set by the above mentioned individual or agency. Removal of any sign shall be the financial obligation of the sign and/or property owner.
(2)
Signs, awnings or canopies overhanging public right-of-way shall not be permitted unless the owner or lessee of the sign has signed a waiver agreement with the City which removes the City's liability for personal and property damage in the event of an accident involving such overhanging sign, awning or canopy. Such waiver agreement shall indemnify and save harmless the City of Prescott from any and all damage, judgment, cost or expense which the City may incur or suffer by reason of the granting of said permit. In addition, the sign owner or lessee shall post a certificate of insurance with the Zoning Administrator at the time the application is made for the sign permit proving that the sign owner or lessee possesses adequate insurance to cover any personal or property damages. A certificate of insurance shall be filled with the Zoning Administrator on an annual basis in the amounts not less than listed below.
(3)
Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of erecting, repairing, maintaining or relocating any sign shall maintain in effect at all times a policy of liability insurance with limits of $300,000 for bodily injury and $1,000,000 aggregate and $100,000 property damage. Proof of insurance shall be presented to the Zoning Administrator before the sign permit is granted.
E.
Inspection. The applicant shall, upon completion of the installation, relocation or alteration of the sign, notify the Zoning Administrator who will assure the sign complies with the regulations of this article. Every sign shall be inspected and approved by the Zoning Administrator within 30 days after it is erected or altered.
F.
Appeals. The Zoning Administrator may, at any time for a violation of this article, revoke a permit or require changes so the sign conforms with this article. The holder of a revoked permit shall be entitled to an appeal before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Any person, firm or corporation aggrieved by any permit denial or decision by the Zoning Administrator relative to the provisions of these sign regulations may appeal and seek review of such decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
§ 635-61 Signs not requiring a permit.
The following signs do not require a sign permit, provided that they are not located over a public road right-of-way or in, on or over public water:
A.
Commercial, industrial and planned unit development (commercial/industrial) districts.
(1)
Real estate signs not to exceed nine square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which said signs are temporarily located.
(2)
Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions not to exceed 35 square feet in area located on the premises.
(3)
Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against the structure.
(4)
Official signs, such as traffic control, parking restriction, information and notices.
(5)
Rummage or garage sale signs not to exceed four square feet in area, but use of this type of sign shall be limited to 72 hours per sale.
(6)
Signs designating entrances, exits, service areas, parking areas, rest rooms and other such signs relating to functional operation of the building or premises shall be permitted without limitation other than reasonable size and necessity.
(7)
Signs not exceeding two square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers or names of occupants of premises.
(8)
Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
(9)
Legal notices, identification information or directional signs erected by governmental bodies.
(10)
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights.
(11)
Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter.
(12)
Political signs may be posted. Signs placed on nonresidential property shall be a maximum of four square feet.
B.
Residential, preservation and agricultural districts.
(1)
Signs over show windows or doors of a conditional or special use permitted business establishment announcing without display or elaboration only the name and occupation of the proprietor and not to exceed four square feet.
(2)
Real estate signs not to exceed nine square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which said signs are temporarily located.
(3)
Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions not to exceed 35 square feet in area located on the premises.
(4)
Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a structure.
(5)
Official signs, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information and notices.
(6)
Awnings or canopies servicing only a particular single-family dwelling unit, provided the same shall conform to the regulations applicable to the zoning district in which the same are located.
(7)
House numbers or signs identifying parks or country clubs or official bulletin boards.
(8)
Political signs may be posted. Signs placed on nonresidential property shall be a maximum of four square feet.
(9)
Rummage or garage sale signs not to exceed four square feet in area, but use of this type of sign shall be limited to 72 hours per sale.
§ 635-62 Permitted locations of signs.
A.
Types of signs, maximum size, number, setback and location.
(1)
Type 1. Signs advertising a customary home occupation, professional office or signs used as a warning to the public. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet in gross area and if illuminated, shall be indirectly lighted. Setback for signs are 15 feet from property line.
(2)
Type 2. Signs advertising the sale, rent or lease of the property on which the sign is placed. The temporary sign shall not exceed six square feet in gross area and setback five feet from property line. Permit not required.
(3)
Type 3. Temporary signs such as rummage, garage sale and political election signs. The signs shall not exceed six square feet in gross area and may be placed at the right-of-way line of the street. Permit not required.
(4)
Type 4. Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions, not to exceed eight square feet in gross area and located on the premises. Set back 15 feet from property line.
(5)
Type 5. Official signs such as traffic control, parking regulations, information and notices. May be placed at the right-of-way line and a permit is not required.
(6)
Type 6. Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a structure.
(7)
Type 7. Recreational directory signs indicating the direction to a cottage, resort, residence or similar use. Such signs shall not be more than one square foot in gross area. Where a common posting standard is provided, all such signs shall be attached to the standard recreational directory. Set back 15 feet from property line.
(8)
Type 8. Directory signs advertising a business or activity conducted, an area or interest or a service available at a specific location. Such signs shall be not more than 22 square feet in gross area. There shall be not more than two such signs relating to any one such use in the approaching direction along any one street. Such signs may be placed at the right-of-way line of the street. A larger number of signs may be permitted by the Board of Appeals if the Board shall find it necessary for directing the traveling public.
(9)
Type 9. Signs located off-premises advertising a general brand or product, an area of interest, a business conducted or a service available. Such signs shall not be more than 100 square feet per side in area and erected outside a line parallel to and 25 feet from the street right-of-way line.
(10)
Type 10. Wall and roof signs advertising a business conducted, service available or a public or semi-public use on the premises. No sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area on any one side or 200 square feet in area on all sides for any one premises, be higher than 10 feet above the top of the roof line, extend more than six inches outside of buildings wall surface and exceed 20 feet in height above the main center line of street.
(11)
Type 11. Self-supporting ground signs advertising a business conducted, service available or a public or semipublic use. Such signs shall not exceed 100 square feet on one side nor 200 square feet on all sides for any single premises and shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the mean center-line street grade. Set back 25 feet from public right-of-way.
(12)
Type 12. Window signs shall be placed only on the inside of commercial buildings and shall not exceed 50% of the glass area of the pane upon which the sign is displayed.
(13)
Type 13. Projecting signs fastened to, suspended from or supported by structures shall not exceed 100 square feet in area for any one premises, extend more than six feet into any required yard, extend more than three feet into any public right-of-way, be less than 10 feet from all side lot lines, exceed a height of 20 feet above the mean center-line street grade and be less than 10 feet above the sidewalk nor 15 feet above a driveway or alley.
(14)
Type 14. Ground signs located in the C-1 Zone must apply annually for a permit, pay a $10 fee annually, sign a hold harmless agreement and show proof of liability insurance at application time. The sign shall not extend more than three feet into public right-of-way and have a maximum height of five feet. The Zoning Administrator has the authority to approve these signs.
(15)
Type 15. Temporary signs or banners. No more than one such sign per premises. Signs may not be posted longer than 90 consecutive days. Permit not required.
B.
Permitted sign locations.
Zoning District | Sign Types Permitted |
|---|---|
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MH | 1 through 6 |
C-1 | All types |
C-2 | All types except type 14 |
I-1, I-2, and I-3 | All types except type 12 and 14 |
A-1 | 1 through 9 |
P | 4 through 8 |
D.
Sign area. No sign shall contain more than 100 square feet in gross area.
E.
Directory signs for shopping centers or industrial parks are permitted as an alternative to ground signs or projecting signs for individual stores in the shopping center or business in the industrial park. The top of a directory sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the mean center-line street grade, and the bottom of the sign shall not be less than 10 feet above the sidewalk and not more than 15 feet above a driveway or alley. The double supporting pylons shall not be greater than 10 feet apart. That portion of the directory sign which advertises the shopping center or industrial park name shall not exceed 90 square feet for one side and a total of 180 square feet for all sides. That portion of the directory sign which advertises the individual store/business name shall not exceed 15 square feet for one side and a total of 30 square feet for all sides. Directory signs shall meet all yard requirements for the zoning district in which they are located.
§ 635-63 Permitted residential, agricultural and preservation signs.
In addition to those permitted signs not requiring a permit pursuant to § 635-61B, the following nonflashing, nonilluminated signs are permitted under the conditions specified in all residential, planned unit development (residential), agricultural and preservation districts established by this chapter:
A.
Signs accessory to parking area, subject to the following:
(1)
Area and number. Signs designating parking area entrances or exits are limited to one sign for each such exit or entrance and to a maximum size of two square feet each. One sign per parking area, designating the conditions of use or identity of such parking area and limited to a maximum size of nine square feet, shall be permitted. On a corner lot, two such signs (one facing each street) shall be permitted.
(2)
Projection. No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public way.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than seven feet above curb level.
B.
Subdivision identification signs, subject to the following:
(1)
Content. The signs shall bear only the name of the subdivision or development.
(2)
Area and number. There shall be not more than one sign located at each entrance to a subdivision. No sign shall exceed 48 square feet in area.
(3)
Height. No sign shall project higher than 10 feet above curb level; the Plan Commission may, however, temporarily authorize a larger sign for a period not to exceed two years.
(4)
Permit. A sign permit is required for this type of sign. Drawings showing the specific design, appearance and location of the sign shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for approval. The location of any such sign shall be at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator based upon the character of the area, the type and purpose of the sign and the length of time permitted.
§ 635-64 Landscape features.
A.
Landscape features such as plant material, berms, boulders, fencing and similar design elements unincorporated or in conjunction with the freestanding signs are encouraged and shall not be counted as allowable sign area.
B.
Freestanding signs that are landscaped (plantings and shrubbery) at the base may be permitted at the discretion of the Plan Commission to exceed the size limit by up to 20%.
§ 635-65 Prohibited signs.
A.
Traffic interference. Signs shall not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs or devices. Signs, canopies and awnings shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices or the safe flow of traffic. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign, awning or canopy shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
B.
Moving or flashing signs. No sign shall be erected which has any flashing, rotating or brilliant intermittent parts or lights or bare reflecting-type bulbs, except those giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather or similar information or where allowed by conditional use permit. No signs, billboards or other advertising media which create a hazard or dangerous distraction to vehicular traffic or a nuisance to adjoining residential property shall be permitted in any district.
C.
Signs on public rights-of-way. Signs shall not be permitted on public rights-of-way, except for municipal traffic control, parking and directional signs and as otherwise specified in this chapter.
D.
Distance from property lines. Signs will not be permitted within side lot setback for zoning district in which it is located.
E.
Distance between freestanding signs. There shall be a minimum of 75 feet between freestanding signs throughout the street frontage in order to prevent congestion and maintain traffic visibility.
§ 635-66 Dangerous and abandoned signs.
A.
Removal. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when a business which it advertises has not been conducted for a period of 90 days, unless the Zoning Administrator determines that such sign adds value to the property or the sign is for the sale or lease of said property. When, in the judgment of the Zoning Administrator, a sign is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous or unsafe, whichever occurs first, such sign shall be removed within 30 days. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Zoning Administrator or a designee may remove the sign at cost of the owner, following adequate written notice. The owner may appeal the decision of the Zoning Administrator to the Plan Commission.
B.
Violations. All signs constructed or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this article are hereby declared public nuisances within the meaning of this Code of Ordinances. In addition to the above penalty provisions and the provisions of § 635-122 for violations of this chapter, the Zoning Administrator or the Common Council may bring an action to abate the nuisance in the manner set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes.
§ 635-67 Special sign permits for permanent signs.
The Plan Commission may grant special sign permits in the event an applicant's proposed sign, though nonconforming in terms of the rules and regulations of this article, may be aesthetically acceptable, innovative, functional and in the best interest of the City, provided that:
A.
The applicant illustrates a consideration for the aesthetic qualities that would be prohibited under other provisions of this article.
B.
The applicant can prove that erection of the proposed sign will cause no extraordinary inconvenience to traffic and pedestrian movement.
C.
The applicant has shown consideration for other property owners adjacent to or nearby the location of the sign.
D.
The process by which a special sign permit is obtained is the process by which a special use permit is obtained as provided for in this chapter.
§ 635-68 Construction and maintenance regulations for signs.
A.
Installation. All signs shall be properly secured, supported and braced and shall be kept in reasonable structural condition and shall be kept clean and well painted at all times. Bolts or screws shall not be fastened to window frames. Every sign and its framework, braces, anchors and other supports shall be constructed of such material and with such workmanship as to be safe and satisfactory to the Zoning Administrator.
B.
General requirements.
(1)
Construction standards. All signs, except flat signs and those signs weighing less than 10 pounds, shall be designed, fastened and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of area and shall be constructed, attached, fastened or anchored to adequately support the dead load and any anticipated live loads (i.e., ice, snow) of the sign.
(2)
Illuminated signs. Any illuminated signs shall not interfere with surrounding properties or traffic.
(3)
Prohibited mounting. No signs shall be painted on, attached to or affixed to any trees, rocks, or other similar organic or inorganic natural matter, including utility poles or apparatus.
(4)
Blanketing. Blanketing of signs shall not be allowed.
(5)
Maintenance. All signs, including supports and attachments, shall be properly maintained and have an appearance that is neat and clean. All signs shall be kept in good structural condition, well painted, and clean at all times and the immediate premises shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition and kept free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
§ 635-69 Searchlights.
The Zoning Administrator may permit the temporary use of a search light for advertising purposes in any district provided that the search light will not be located in any public right-of-way, will not be located closer than 10 feet to an adjacent property and will not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining properties. Search light permits shall not be granted for a period of more than five days in any six-month period.
§ 635-70 Awnings and canopies.
A.
Permitted awnings. No awning shall be erected or maintained, except such awnings as comply with the following requirements, and then only if the permit required hereunder is first obtained and the same conforms to the regulations of the zoning district in which the same is to be located:
(1)
Support. Awnings shall be securely attached to and supported by the building and shall be without post or columns beyond the setback line.
(2)
Height. All awnings shall be constructed and erected so the lowest portion thereof shall be not less than 10 feet above the level of the public sidewalk. Awnings over driveways or alleys must have a minimum clearance of 15 feet.
(3)
Projection into right-of-way. No awning shall be permitted to extend into a public right-of-way, except in the C-1 District, where such extension may not exceed three feet.
(4)
Advertising. Any advertising placed on any awning will be considered a part of the sign footage, but the awning will not add additional footage to the surface from which it is mounted.
B.
Permitted canopies. No canopies shall be erected or maintained, except such canopies as comply with the following requirements, and then only if the permit required hereunder is first obtained and the same conform to the regulations of the zoning district in which the same are to be located.
(1)
Support. The structural support of all canopies shall be designed by a licensed professional engineer and approved by the Building Inspector as in compliance with the Building Code of the City.[1] All frames and supports shall be of metal and designed to withstand a wind pressure as provided in § 635-68 of the Code. Canopies attached or unattached to a building shall have no supports beyond the setback line of the property.
(2)
Height. All canopies shall be constructed and erected so the lowest portion thereof shall not be less than 10 feet above the level of the sidewalk. Canopies over driveways or alleys must have a minimum clearance of 15 feet.
(3)
Projection into right-of-way. No canopy shall be permitted to extend into a public right-of-way, except in the C-1 District, where such extension may not exceed three feet.
(4)
Advertising. Any advertising placed on any canopy will be considered a part of the total signage, but the canopy will not be additional footage to the surface from which, or in front of which, it is mounted.
§ 635-71 Nonconforming signs, awnings and canopies.
A.
Signs, awnings and canopies eligible for characterization as legal nonconforming.
(1)
Any sign, awning or canopy located within the City of Prescott on the date of adoption of this article which does not conform to the provisions of this article is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, provided that it meets the following requirements:
(a)
The sign, awning or canopy was covered by a proper sign permit prior to the date of adoption of this article as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(b)
If no permit was required under the applicable law for the sign, awning or canopy in question and the sign, awning or canopy was, in all respects, in compliance with applicable law on the date of adoption of this article.
(2)
Any sign, awning or canopy existing prior to the adoption of this article will be granted legal nonconforming status, provided that a permit is applied for within 30 days after the adoption date.
B.
Annexed areas. All signs, awnings and canopies in newly annexed areas shall comply with this article within five years of annexation. During this five-year period, signs which do not meet this article will be considered legal nonconforming signs.
C.
Loss of legal nonconforming status.
(1)
A sign, awning or canopy loses its nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:
(a)
The sign, awning or canopy is altered and the cost of the alteration is 50% or more of the replacement value of the sign, awning or canopy as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Such alteration shall bring the sign, awning or canopy into conformance with this article.
(b)
The sign, awning or canopy is relocated.
(c)
The sign, awning or canopy fails to conform to City requirements regarding insurance coverage, maintenance, repair, or abandonment or is found to be dangerous or defective by the Zoning Administrator.
(2)
If a nonconforming sign, awning or canopy is damaged by fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, war, riot or act of God or structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance and repair, the sign, awning or canopy may be reconstructed and used as before if it is reconstructed within three months after such calamity, unless the damage is 50% or more of its replacement value, in which case the reconstructed sign, awning or canopy shall comply with the provisions of this article. A nonconforming sign, awning or canopy damaged or destroyed by violent wind, vandalism, fire, flood, ice, snow, mold or infestation after March 2, 2006, may be restored in accordance with § 62.23(7)(hc), Wis. Stats., and § 635-51C of this chapter.
(3)
Any sign, awning or canopy which is required to have a permit and does not have a permit within 30 days after adoption of this article shall be considered illegal and nonconforming.
D.
Legal nonconforming status violation. On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign, awning or canopy shall immediately be brought into compliance with this article with a new permit secured therefor or shall be removed pursuant to the procedures outlined in § 635-66 of this chapter.
E.
Legal nonconforming sign, awning and canopy maintenance and repair. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner of a legal nonconforming sign, awning or canopy or the owner of the property on which the sign is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
§ 635-72 Violations.
A.
Any person, firm or corporation who begins, erects or completes the erection or construction of any sign, awning or canopy controlled by this article prior to the granting of a sign permit shall pay a penalty double the amount of the permit otherwise required.