(a)

Applications. No permanent sign, other than those specified in this section shall be placed or altered on any plot, nor any existing sign copy changed, until a certificate of use has been issued and until a permit has been obtained. In addition, sign permit applications shall contain and be accompanied by the following:

(1)

The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the proposed sign;

(2)

An indication of the specific type of sign and sign structure;

(3)

The address and legal description or tax folio number of the plot where the sign will be located;

(4)

A plan or design of the sign, drawn to a scale, showing the dimensions, square foot area, sign face, copy, height of letters, colors, lighting and the sign structure;

(5)

The location and type of all other signs on the same plot;

(6)

For freestanding signs, the overall height of the sign;

(7)

For building, wall, parapet, facade, graphic and individual letter signs, the building frontage and height of the building wall, parapet, facade or silhouette of the building;

(8)

For window signs, the building frontage and height of the building wall, parapet or facade, the area of all windows and the area of such windows to be used for signs; and

(9)

For strip lighting, an elevation indicating the location and linear feet of all such lighting.

(b)

Exempt. Permits shall not be required for the following signs, provided the sign area is six square feet or less and the sign is nonilluminated:

(1)

Building identification signs;

(2)

On-premises directional signs;

(3)

Flags;

(4)

Garage sale signs;

(5)

General information signs;

(6)

Hanging signs;

(7)

Interior signs;

(8)

Model signs;

(9)

Nameplate signs;

(10)

Real estate signs;

(11)

Religious signs;

(12)

Use-related informational signs; and

(13)

Window signs.

(c)

Not required. Permits shall not be required for the following signs:

(1)

Holiday or seasonal signs;

(2)

Murals;

(3)

Opinion signs;

(4)

Public service signs; and

(5)

Traffic control signs.

(d)

Issuance and sign label. If, upon review, it is determined that an application is in accordance with the provisions of this section, a permit shall be issued. Fees for permits and sign labels shall be in accordance with the schedule adopted by the city commission by resolution. The permit holder shall also be issued a sign label, indicating the sign permit number, which shall be affixed to the sign prior to final permit inspections for the sign, in a manner so that the sign label will be readily visible for inspection purposes, but does not deface the sign.

(e)

Revocation for noncompliance. Permits for signs may be revoked by the city administrator or designee, if it is determined that any sign fails to comply with the terms of this section and the owner of such sign fails to bring the sign into conformity within 30 days from receipt of any written notice of noncompliance.

(f)

90-day time limit for installation commencement or abandonment. Every sign permit issued by the city shall become null and void, if installation is not commenced within 90 days from the date of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for 90 days any time after the work is commenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee will be the full amount required for a new permit for such work.

(g)

Code requirements. Structural and safety features and electrical systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the city's adopted building code. No sign shall be approved for use unless it has been inspected and found to be in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and applicable codes.

(h)

Review. The city shall approve or deny the sign permit based on whether it complies with the requirements of this chapter. The city shall approve or deny the sign permit within 30 days after receipt of a complete application. The city shall prepare a written notice of its decision, describing the applicant's appeal rights, and send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the applicant. The applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the city commission within 15 days after the date of receipt of the city's written notice. The city commission shall hear the appeal at the next available commission meeting. If the city commission does not grant the appeal, then the appellant may seek relief in the circuit court for the county, as provided by law.

(i)

Revocation. The city may suspend or revoke, in writing, a permit issued under provisions of this chapter, whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. The written revocation shall describe the appeal process. The city shall send the revocation by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the sign owner. Any person having an interest in the sign or property may appeal the revocation, by filing a written notice of appeal with the city commission within 15 days after receipt of the written notice of revocation. The city commission shall hear the appeal within 30 days after the date of receiving the written notice of appeal. If the city commission does not grant the appeal, then, as provided by law, the appellant may seek relief in the circuit court for the county.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 25, 2-21-2007; Ord. No. 2007-13, § 7(25b), 9-5-2007; Ord. No. 2011-03, § 2(25C), 3-2-2011)