(A)   Sign regulations, including provisions to control the type, design, size, location, illumination and maintenance thereof, are established in order to achieve, among others, the following purposes:

      (1)   To promote attractive and maintain high value residential districts by permitting only nameplates, bulletin boards and signs related to the development, rental or sale of properties in such districts;

      (2)   To provide reasonable, yet appropriate, conditions for identifying and advertising goods sold or services rendered in business districts by relating the size, type and design of signs to the type and size of establishments;

      (3)   To provide for appropriate signs for the identification and preservation of industrial development;

      (4)   To control the design of signs so that their appearance will be aesthetically harmonious with their surroundings and an overall design for the area;

      (5)   To reduce traffic hazards by restricting signs which exceed the viewers capacity to receive information or which increase the probability of accidents created by distracting attention or obstructing vision;

   (B)   ln establishing these objectives the city has determined that, without adequate regulation and design standards, signs are a nuisance. The number of signs in Reading is excessive and unduly distracting, and in some cases reduces the effectiveness of signs needed to direct the public. Therefore, the number of such distracting signs ought to be reduced and signs permitted should comply with the standards of the chapter in order to reduce the aforementioned effects.

      (1)   The signs of least value to the people of Reading are those which carry commercial messages other than the advertisement of any product, service, event, person, institution, or business located on the premises where the sign is located.

      (2)   Except as provided herein, all signs not conforming with the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared a nuisance. It is further declared that the regulations contained in this chapter are the minimum regulations necessary to abate the nuisance and to achieve the purpose of this chapter.

      (3)   Signs shall be designed, erected, altered, moved, displayed and maintained in accordance with the regulations set forth in this chapter. The provisions of the chapter shall not amend or in any way interfere with the other codes, rules or regulations governing traffic signs within the city.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   (A)   Signs shall be classified by the following types:

      (1)   Billboard sign;

      (2)   Bulletin board sign;

      (3)   Business sign;

      (4)   Changeable copy sign;

      (5)   Development sign;

      (6)   Directional sign;

      (7)   Identification sign;

      (8)   Information sign;

      (9)   Nameplate sign;

      (10)   Political sign;

      (11)   Real estate sign; and

      (12)   Temporary sign.

   (B)   Signs shall be classified by the following structural type:

      (1)   Awning sign;

      (2)   Banner sign;

      (3)   Canopy sign;

      (4)   Ground sign;

      (5)   Portable sign;

      (6)   Pole sign;

      (7)   Projecting sign;

      (8)   Roof sign;

      (9)   Wall sign;

      (10)   Window sign; and

      (11)   Sandwich board signs.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03; Am. Ord. 2006-05, passed 1-17-06)

   The following signs are prohibited in all districts:

   (A)   Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs.

   (B)   Portable wheeled signs unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.

   (C)   Signs attached to trees, rocks or natural formations or public property including but not limited to utility poles, benches, trash containers and parking meters, except as specifically authorized by the city.

   (D)   Signs which move or give the appearance of movement. This category includes: pennants, banners except as allowed by § 1290.15, streamers, and all other signs which flutter, undulate, swing, rotate, oscillate or otherwise move by natural or artificial means.

   (E)   Sign erected in such a manner as to obstruct the line of sight of traffic or traffic lights at intersections.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   The provisions of this chapter shall not govern the display of the following signs and objects:

   (A)   Signs used for safety purposes relative to the repair or maintenance of streets, sidewalks, or utilities in a public right-of-way.

   (B)   Nameplates not to exceed one and one-half square feet.

   (C)   The American, State of Ohio and City of Reading flags and flags of other nations or nationality groups.

   (D)   Cornerstone and permanent building plaques displaying the date of construction, architect's name, building name, historical information, etc., and not exceeding eight square feet in area.

   (E)   Holiday decoration, excluding advertising, displayed for reasonable and customary durations of time.

   (F)   Any monument within a cemetery.

   (G)   Matter appearing, as part of the original construction, for example: on gasoline pumps, newspaper vending boxes, and automatic teller machines and other vending machines.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   The provisions of Article 29 of the Ohio Basic Building Code (OBBC), with the exception of political signs, shall govern the construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of all freestanding signs and all signs attached to buildings or structures or incidental to the land use thereof, together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices in respect to structural and fire safety.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   Whenever a public street is crossed by a railroad at the same grade level, no person shall erect, construct or maintain a sign which obstructs the line of sight within the area bounded as follows: beginning at the intersection of the street property line (nearest the proposed sign) and the rail (nearest to the proposed sign) which crosses such street; thence along such street property line 200 feet to a point; thence along a straight line to a point on such rail (on the same street side of the street) 400 feet distant from such intersection; thence; along such rail to the place of beginning. Nothing in this section shall apply to signboards, sign posts or danger signals required to be erected and maintained by railroad companies under the law of the state.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   A sign which is nonconforming on the effective date of this chapter which does not conform with the regulation of this chapter or a subsequent amendment, shall be deemed a nonconformity.

   (A)   The purpose of this chapter, in addition to providing specific standards for the design, construction and erection of every new graphic, sign, marquee, canopy, and awning is to cause every graphic or other sign in violation of any provision of this chapter to be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter.

   (B)   Any permanent sign as defined in Chapter 1242, other than a temporary sign, which is deemed to be in nonconformity, which was erected pursuant to a city permit and in place on the effective date of this chapter or any subsequent amendment thereto, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:

      (1)   Ordinary repairs and non structural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming signs, except those required by law to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.

      (2)   A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.

      (3)   No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign and the use thereof, is made to conform to all regulations of this chapter.

      (4)   A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other cause to the extent that the cost of restoration will exceed 60% of the original cost of such sign, shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to all the regulations of this chapter, or any subsequent amendment thereto. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than 60% of the original cost of such sign, no repairs of construction shall be made unless such restoration is started within six months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion.

      (5)   A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of 30 days, shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter.

      (6)   Where the business, use or identify associated with the nonconforming sign at the time of the adoption of this chapter, thereafter terminates or changes, such termination or change of use shall require termination of the nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter.

      (7)   All signs rendered non conforming by the provisions of this chapter and permitted to continue shall be removed, altered or remodeled to conform to the provisions of this chapter no later than five years from the initial effective date of these sign regulations which were adopted on 2-3-98 (Ordinance 98-09).

      (8)   When a structure and/or use is nonconforming and the signage restrictions for the district in which it is located would cause hardship, the regulations of the district most compatible with the current and or proposed use shall be used.

   (C)   Any sign, graphic or numeral displayed embossed, etched, engraved or otherwise an integral part of the original building's masonry architecture which was in existence prior to the effective date of this division, may be continued provided such sign, graphic, or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   If a sign is to be moved to another location, such sign at the new location shall be considered a new sign and shall conform with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   Political signs, as defined in Chapter 1242, shall be permitted in addition to otherwise permitted signs, and notwithstanding the district of the subject property, only in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter.

   (A)   Political signs shall not be placed on any public property, public right-of-way, utility pole, bridge or bridge abutment.

   (B)   Signs which exceed 36 inches in height shall be setback a minimum of eight feet from the curb line and shall be placed so as not to obstruct the line of sight of motorists traveling upon highways, streets, or any private drives.

   (C)   In addition to specifically authorized political signs, political messages may be displayed in place of commercial messages on any permitted billboard or other permitted permanent sign.

   (D)   Political signs, used for election or other voting purposes, shall be displayed no earlier than the Labor Day before the November general election or no earlier than 60 days prior to all other elections.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   Signs may be illuminated only in accordance with the following regulations:

   (A)   Sign illumination shall be designed and placed so as not to cause glare which may result in traffic hazards or which may interfere with the customary use of nearby residences or with the public rights-of-way.

   (B)   Flashing or intermittent external illumination shall not be permitted.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   (A)   Construction. All roof signs, including all supports and bracing shall be constructed entirely of metal or another approved noncombustible material, except that such signs erected on or above approved fire-retardant roofing shall not contain an area of more than 40 square feet of approved combustible plastics or other approved combustible materials in each sign face, provided that the aggregate area of such approved combustible plastics or other approved combustible materials in all sign faces does not exceed 80 square feet and such sign face is not more than 40 feet in length, and provided, further, that not more than one such sign shall be erected on a roof.

   (B)   Setback from street wall. No roof sign shall be erected closer than five feet to any roof edge.

   (C)   Clearance above roof. No roof sign shall be erected with the bottom edge of such sign less than six feet above the roof.

   (D)   Fire-resistive and heavy timber roof. No roof sign shall be erected to a height of more than 20 feet above the roof of a building measured from the bottom of the sign unless the roof construction complies with the requirements for roofs of Type I Fire Resistive, Type II Semi-Fire Resistive or Type III Heavy Timber Construction or unless all loads are transmitted to masonry or reinforced concrete walls or protected steel or reinforced concrete columns by a construction having a fire resistance rating of at least one hour.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   The size of signs are regulated in this chapter by relating the gross area of signs to the building or use of a lot, or the size of the building unit to which the sign is accessory.

   (A)   The gross area of signs for a building or use shall calculated to include all permanent surfaces visible from a public way and shall be measured for all signs except projecting or pole signs as follows:

      (1)   The area of the surface, or surfaces of an opaque or translucent panel used or intended for displaying a message; plus

      (2)   The area within the smallest rectangle enclosing a sign composed of letters or characters which are individually attached to a building wall or other structural element not designed as a panel; plus

      (3)   The area of permanent window and door signs.

   (B)   Whenever the gross area of the signs are related to the size of the building or lot; the frontage of a building shall be the width of the facade of the building, business, office, or industrial facility which faces the principal street, or the facade containing the main entrance of a business, office, or industrial facility.

   (C)   Building or lots having frontage on a second street or a secondary entrance to a parking area may be permitted additional signs along such secondary streets which shall, however, not exceed 25% of the area of the signs permitted along the main street.

   (D)   The area of any double or multi-faced sign shall be calculated as only having one sign face. Should the faces differ in size, the largest face shall be counted in calculating the area of the sign, and the measurable area shall be the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of square or rectangles which enclose the extreme limits of the advertising message, including the sign structure.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   (A)   (1)   The city shall be divided into four districts in which varying regulations shall apply. These districts shall be designated as follows:

         (a)   District I: All residential districts and all other areas not included in Districts II, III, IV.

         (b)   District II: Benson Street west of Third Street.

         (c)   District III: Reading Road from E. Galbraith Road north to the northern Municipal Boundary.

         (d)   District IV: E. Galbraith Road west of the intersection of Galbraith Road and Cross County Highway and Reading Road south of Galbraith Road.

      (2)   The sign district map attached to this zoning code geographically describes the limits of each sign district.

   (B)   Signs in public and institutional zones. Any signs erected within a Public and Institutional District shall adhere to the regulations pertaining to signs within the sign district which the Public and Institutional District resides unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   Accessory signs in District I shall be designed, erected, altered, moved and maintained, in whole or in part, only in accordance with these regulations. The types of signs permitted as to use, structure, size and number for each building or lot shall be regulated as follows:

   (A)   Bulletin boards. One bulletin board not exceeding 20 square feet in area of five feet in height may be located on the premises of a public, charitable or religious institution but not less than 15 feet from a street right-of-way line. Indirect illumination shall be permitted as allowed by § 1290.10.

   (B)   Development signs. One development sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and ten feet in height shall be permitted on the lot which a building is under construction. Signs shall be removed on the issuance of a final occupancy permit or one year after the building permit is issued, whichever date occurs sooner.

   (C)   Directional signs. Two directional signs each not exceeding two square feet in area shall be permitted on any building or lot, but not less than five feet from any lot or street right-of-way or higher than three feet in height.

   (D)   Identification signs. One wall or ground identification sign not exceeding eight square feet shall be permitted, provided the wall sign is located on the street side of a multiple family building.

   (E)   Real estate signs. One temporary double face freestanding or wall sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the premises or part of the premises on which the signs are displayed, not exceeding five square feet in area, shall be permitted for each lot.

   (F)   Canopy signs. One canopy sign shall be permitted per building. The total of one face of the sign shall not exceed five square feet and the vertical dimensions of the sign shall not exceed 12 inches and the lowest structural member shall not be less than eight feet from the sidewalk.

   (G)   Awning signs. One awning sign shall be permitted per building. The total area of one face of the sign shall not exceed six square feet and the vertical dimension of the sign shall not exceed two feet. The lowest structural element shall not be less than eight feet from the sidewalk.

   (H)   Billboards. Billboards shall not be permitted in any residential district.

   (I)   Political signs.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   Accessory signs in Sign District II shall be designed erected, altered, moved and maintained, in whole or in part in accordance with these regulations:

   (A)   Functional type permitted. Business signs, bulletin boards, development signs, directional signs, identification signs, informational signs, nameplates, political signs, real estate signs, temporary signs.

   (B)   Structural types permitted. Awning, canopy, ground, pole, projecting, wall, and window signs.

   (C)   Maximum area and number permitted.

      (1)   Maximum sign face area. The maximum sign face area of all permanent signs permitted for each separate use occupying a building or unit of a building shall be related to the frontage of the building or unit thereof, as determined by the following formula:

   Maximum sign face area1 + (W2 x 1.25) + 10, square feet, except that the total in all cases shall not exceed 120 square feet.

   1 "Maximum Sign Face Area" means the total area of one surface of a permanent sign.

   2 "W" means the frontage of a building as defined in Chapter 1242.

      (2)   Awning sign. One awning sign shall be permitted. The total area of one face of the sign shall not exceed six square feet and the vertical dimension of the sign shall not exceed twelve inches. The lowest structural element shall not be less than eight feet from the sidewalk.

      (3)   Bulletin Board. One bulletin board not exceeding 30 square feet in area or height may be located on the premises of a public, charitable, or religious institution, but not less than five feet from a street right-of-way. Indirect illumination shall be permitted.

      (4)   Canopy signs. The total of one face of the sign shall not exceed five square feet and the vertical dimensions of the sign shall not exceed 12 inches and the lowest structural member shall not be less than eight feet from the sidewalk.

      (5)   Development signs. One temporary development sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and ten feet in height shall be permitted on the lot upon which a building is under construction. Development signs shall be removed on the issuance of a final occupancy permit or one year after the period is issued, which ever date occurs sooner.

      (6)   Directional signs. Two directional signs each not exceeding two square feet in area shall be permitted on any building or lot, but not less than five feet from any lot or street- right-of-way or higher than three feet in height.

      (7)   Ground sign. One ground sign not to exceed 40 square feet in area and the top of the signs shall not exceed ten feet in height above the sidewalk grade.

      (8)   Information sign. One informational ground sign not exceeding six square feet in sign face area may be permitted on any lot, but not less than five feet from any lot or street right-of-way.

      (9)   Nameplates. One nameplate, not exceeding one and one-half square foot in area for each store or office unit in the building, but not exceeding a total of eight nameplates per building, shall be permitted.

      (10)   Pole sign. One pole sign shall be permitted in the yard of a business lot. Each face of the pole sign shall not exceed 40 square feet in area; the top of the sign shall not exceed 16 feet in height above the sidewalk; the bottom of the sign shall not be less than eight feet above sidewalk grade; no part of the sign shall project over the sidewalk; and when the sign is in the proximity to a vehicular access drive a protective barrier shall be provided around the base of the pole structure.

      (11)   Projecting sign. One projecting sign not exceeding 12 square feet shall be permitted per building unit; the bottom of the sign shall not be less than eight feet above grade; at no time shall the sign project beyond four feet from the building surface upon which it is mounted, the thickness of the sign shall not exceed six inches; indirect illumination is permitted, internally illuminated signs are not permitted.

      (12)   Real estate sign. One temporary, double faced, freestanding or wall sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the premises or part of the premises on which the signs are displayed, not exceeding five square feet, shall be permitted.

   (D)   Supplementary area and location standards.

      (1)   Side and rear entrances. In cases where the office or business building has an entrance from the side street of a comer lot or has a back entrance from a parking lot, additional signs area equal to a 25% of that permitted on the front of the building may be used over such entrance.

      (2)   Shopping center identification signs. In addition to the sign face area permitted for each individual establishment, one shopping center sign identifying the name and/or logo of a unified shopping area. Shopping center signs shall not exceed 40 square feet in area and shall be restricted to ground signs.

      (3)   Billboards. One billboard may be permitted per business or development site pursuant to the regulations and standards of division (E)(1) of this section.

      (4)   Vacant lot. Each vacant lot is permitted a maximum sign area of 50 square feet, limited to ground signs which shall be located no closer to any street than the required building setback line.

   (E)   Regulations for billboards.

      (1)   Within the maximum sign face areas for permanent signs established for Sign District I, a single billboard is permitted on a premises provided that it is:

         (a)   Located on a plain wall surface and not extending above the roof line or beyond the end wall. A plain wall is a surface of either brick, wood masonry or other material, or apart thereof, without windows, cornices, or other architectural or decorative features.

         (b)   Placed flat against and fastened on the building which has such eligible plain wall surface.

         (c)   Containing a sign area not exceeding 40 square feet nor more than ten percent of the eligible wall surface, whichever is less.

         (d)   Location:

            1.   A minimum of 50 feet from any public right-of-way.

            2.   To directly face parking lots which are located in either side yards or rear yards.

            3.   Situated so as not to directly face any residential district

         (e)   A maximum of 16 feet above the ground.

         (f)   The total face area shall not exceed the limits established in division (C)(1) of this section.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03; Am. Ord. 2004-103, passed 11-16-04)

   Accessory signs in Sign District III shall be designed, erected, altered, moved and maintained in whole or in part, in accordance with these regulations. The requirements of Sign District III shall be the same as the requirements of the Sign District II specified in § 1290.15 except as otherwise stated herein.

   (A)   Functional type permitted. Development signs of a temporary nature, directional signs, identifications signs and real estate signs.

   (B)   Structural types permitted. Ground, pole and wall.

   (C)   Maximum sign face area. The maximum sign face area of all permanent signs for each separate use occupying a building or unit of a building shall be related to the frontage of the building or unit thereof as determined by the following formula:

Maximum sign face area1 = (W2 x 2.0) square feet expect that the total in all cases shall not exceed 300 square feet.

   1 "Maximum Sign Face Area" means the total area of one surface of a permanent sign.

   2 "W" means the frontage of a building as defined in Chapter 1242.

   (D)   Vacant lots. Each vacant lot is permitted a maximum sign area of 50 square feet, limited to aground sign which shall be located no closer to any street than the required building setback line.

   (E)   Regulations for billboards.

      (1)   Within the maximum sign face areas for permanent signs established for Sign District III, a single billboard is permitted on a premises provided that it is:

         (a)   Located on a plain wall surface and not extending above the roof line or beyond the end wall. A plain wall is a surface of either brick, wood masonry or other material, or apart thereof, without windows, cornices, or other architectural or decorative features.

         (b)   Placed flat against and fastened on the building which has such eligible plain wall surface.

         (c)   Containing a sign area not exceeding 40 square feet nor more than ten percent of the eligible wall surface, whichever is less.

         (d)   Located:

            1.   A minimum of 50 feet from any public right-of-way.

            2.   To directly face parking lots, which are located in either side yards or rear yards.

            3.   Located so as not to directly face any residential district.

         (e)   A maximum of 16 feet above the ground.

         (f)   The total face area shall not exceed the limits established in § 1290.15(C)(1).

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   (A)   Accessory signs in Sign District IV shall be designed, erected, altered, moved and maintained, in whole or in part, in accordance with these regulations. The requirements of Sign District IV shall be the same as the requirements of District III specified in § 1290.16 except as otherwise stated herein.

   (B)   Maximum sign face. The maximum sign face area of all permanent signs for each separate use occupying a building or unit of a building shall be related to the frontage of the building or unit thereof as determined by the following formula:

Maximum sign face area1 = (W2 x 3.0 square feet expect that the total in all cases shall not exceed 400 square feet.)

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   (A)   Size. No temporary sign shall exceed 40 square feet in area.

   (B)   Projection over sidewalk. No temporary sign shall extend into the line of a street, sidewalk, alley or other public thoroughfare, except that such a sign may be permitted flat against the wall of the building for a period not to exceed 21 days.

   (C)   Number. Not more than one temporary sign is permitted per premises.

   (D)   Types of temporary signs permitted.

      (1)   Banners, portable signs, streamers, strings of pennants, or inflatable signs, in addition to temporary business or identification sign shall pertain only to promote special occasions associated with the business, industry or other pursuit conducted on or within the premises on which the sign is erected or maintained.

      (2)   In addition, one temporary sandwich board sign as defined herein may be placed on that portion of a public sidewalk which fronts the parcel on which the business is located, provided the public sidewalk is within the Downtown Reading Mixed Use Subdistrict or the West Benson Street Mixed Use Subdistrict.

         (a)   Definition of sandwich board sign. A SANDWICH BOARD SIGN includes all free- standing signs, such as menu boards or other advertising signs which advertise goods or services available within the business premises of the entity utilizing such a sign.

         (b)   Placement and regulation of sandwich board signs. A sandwich board sign shall not be placed closer than one foot from the vertical edge of any street curb or in such a manner that it obstructs pedestrian traffic along the public sidewalk on which it is placed or in a manner that obstructs the view of vehicular traffic on adjacent streets. Sandwich board signs shall be no wider than 36 inches and no higher than 42 inches as measured from the sidewalk. The base of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed four square feet in area. Sandwich board signs shall not be placed on any sidewalk area in which the width of such sidewalk is less than eight feet, six inches, and shall not be placed in a manner which limits the clear and unobstructed straight-line pedestrian pathway to a width of less than five feet; building encroachments, and permanent public improvements including but not limited to: tree grates, trash receptacles, light poles, planters, benches, fire hydrants, and traffic signs shall be considered obstructions to the straight-line pedestrian pathway and shall be considered in determining the five-foot width. Sandwich board signs shall not be placed within any permanent curb cut or within any permanent or temporary vehicular driveway.

         (c)   Design review. All sandwich board signs are subject to the design review provisions of the Zoning code.

         (d)   Time restrictions. Sandwich board signs may be placed for display only during those hours that the business utilizing the sign is open to receive walk-in customers.

         (e)   Permits. Notwithstanding any limitation on the placement of temporary signs, permits for the placement of sandwich board signs may be issued on an annual basis for the same fee established for the placement of a temporary sign.

   (E)   Permits. A permit for a temporary sign shall be issued for a period of 15 days or 30 days at the option of the applicant. The sign shall be removed within 24 hours after the expiration of such permit, unless a new permit thereof is obtained. Not more than four 15 day permits or two 30 day permits shall be issued for the erection of a temporary sign on any one parcel in the same calendar year.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03; Am. Ord. 2006-05, passed 1-17-06)

   Where ever any of the provisions of this chapter are in conflict with any other provision of this Building and Housing Code, including the Hamilton County Ohio Building Code and the Ohio Basic Building Code, the provision of this chapter shall control.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   All signs shall be reviewed by the Design Review Committee as described in Chapter 1278.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)

   (A)   Abandoned signs shall be abated as follows:

      (1)   If any sign is abandoned for a period of at least six consecutive months in any 18 month period, such sign shall be considered a nuisance affecting or endangering surrounding property values and be detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare of the community and shall be abated.

      (2)   Such sign shall be abated within 60 days of notification by the Zoning Administrator either by:

         (a)   Removing the sign in question. Removal includes the total disassembly of the sign structure including the base, to the grade on which the sign was erected. Any sign not removed within the specified 60 day time period may be removed by the city at the property owners expense and assessed to that property owner on the next County Property Tax Statement.

         (b)   Altering the sign and its structure so that it conforms to the regulations and provisions of this code.

   (B)   The failure to comply with these regulations will constitute a violation of this zoning code.

(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)