1. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance shall be to coordinate the type, placement, and scale of signs within the different land-use zones to recognize the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community; to encourage the innovative use of design; to promote both renovation and proper maintenance; to allow for special circumstances; and to guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate record keeping and consistent enforcement. These shall be accomplished by regulation of the display, erection, use, and maintenance of signs. The use of signs is regulated according to zone. The placement and scale of signs are regulated primarily by type and length of street frontage, though lot size, investment, and surrounding conditions must also be considered. No sign shall be permitted as a main or accessory use except in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
2. Scope. This Ordinance shall not relate to building design, nor shall it regulate official traffic or government signs; the copy and message of signs; signs not intended to be viewed from a public right-of-way; window displays; product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation, government or noncommercial organization; gravestones; barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined herein as a sign. Thus, the primary intent of this Ordinance shall be to regulate signs of a commercial nature intended to be viewed from any vehicular or pedestrian public right-of-way.

Certain terms are defined for the purposes of this Ordinance as follows:

"Abandoned Sign" means a sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, leaser, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.

"Animated Sign" (also, see and note difference from changeable sign) A sign or display manifesting either kinetic or illusionary motion occasioned by natural, manual, mechanical, electrical, or other means. Animated signs include the following types:

1. Naturally Energized. Signs whose motion is activated by wind or other atmospheric impingement. Wind-driven signs include flags, banners, pennants, streamers, spinners, metallic disks, or other similar devices designed to move in the wind.
2. Mechanically Energized. Signs manifesting a repetitious pre-programmed physical movement or rotation in either one or a series of planes activated by means of mechanically based drives.
3. Electrically Energized. Illuminated signs whose motion or visual impression of motion is activated primarily by electrical means. Electrically energized animated signs are of two types:
   1. Flashing Signs. illuminated signs exhibiting a preprogrammed repetitious cyclical interruption of illumination from one or more sources in which the duration of the period of illumination (on phase) is either the same as or less than the duration of the period of darkness (off phase), and in which the intensity of illumination varies from zero (off) to 100 percent (on) during the programmed cycle.
      1. Illusionary Movement Signs. illuminated signs exhibiting the illusion of movement by means of a pre-programmed repetitious sequential switching action in which illuminated elements of the sign are turned on or off to visually simulate the impression of motion characteristic of chasing, running, blinking, oscillating, twinkling scintillating, or expanding and contracting light patterns.

"Area" (see "Sign, Area Of")

"Awning" means a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework. (compare "Marquee")

"Awning Sign" means a sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.

"Back Lit Awning" (see "Electric Awning Sign")

"Banner Sign" means a sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.

"Billboard" (see "off-Premise Sign")

"Blade Sign" (see "Ground Sign")

"Building" means any structure used or intended to be used for the shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property.

"Canopy (Building)" means a rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by a building at one or more points or extremities and by columns or posts embedded in the ground at other points or extremities. May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources. (compare "Marquee")

"Canopy (Freestanding)" means a rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by columns or posts embedded in the ground. May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources.

"Canopy Sign" means a sign affixed or applied to the exterior facing surface or surfaces of a building or freestanding canopy.

"Changeable Sign" means a sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electric, electro-mechanical, or electronic means. Changeable signs include the following types:

1. Manually Activated. Signs who's alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered by manual means.
2. Electrically Activated. Signs whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display surface composed of electrically illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments. Includes the following two types:
   1. Fixed Message Electronic Signs. Signs whose basic informational content has been pre-programmed to include only certain types of information projection, such as time, temperature, predictable traffic conditions, or other events subject to prior programming.
   2. Computer Controlled Variable Message Electronic Signs. Signs whose informational content can be changed or altered by means of computer-driven electronic impulses.

"City". Unless the context clearly discloses a contrary intent, the word "City" shall mean the City of Willard.

"City Planner/Administrator" means the Code City Planner/Administrator or his designated representative.

"Clearance (of a Sign)" means the smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street, highway, or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade.

"Clear View Zone" means the area of a corner lot closest to the intersection which is kept free of visual impairment to allow full view of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Typically, such an area is established by marking a point at which the two curb lines intersect, measuring back fifteen or twenty feet on each street front, and drawing a line across the two back points to form a triangulated area. No sign in excess of three feet above curb grade, or support pole larger than twelve inches in diameter may be installed in this area. Freestanding signs must have at least ten feet clearance to grade.

"Construction Sign" means a temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.

"Copy" means the graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.

"Directional/Information Sign" means an on-premise sign giving directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy, e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs. May contain logo provided that the logo may not comprise more than twenty percent of the total sign area.

"Double-Faced Sign" means a sign with two faces, essentially back-to-back.

"Electric Awning Sign (also "Back Lit Awning")" means an internally illuminated fixed space-frame structure with translucent, flexible reinforced covering designed in awning form and with graphics or copy applied to the visible surface of the awning.

"Electrical Sign" means a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.

"Electronic Message Center" (see "Changeable Signs, Electrically Activated")

"Facade" means the entire building front including the parapet.

"Face of Sign" means the area of a sign on which the copy is placed.

"Festoons" meant a string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, or pinwheels.

"Flashing Sign" (see "Animated Sign, Electrically Energized")

"Freestanding Sign" means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building.

"Frontage" means the length of the property line of any one premise along a public right-of-way on which it borders.

"Frontage, Building" means the length of an outside building wall on a public right-of-way.

"Government Sign" means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the city, county, state, or federal government for traffic direction or for designation of or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property, or facility.

"Ground Sign (also "Blade Sign")" means a sign which is anchored to the ground similar to a pylon or freestanding sign, but which has a monolithic or columnar line and which maintains essentially the same contour from grade to top. Height and setbacks are to be the same as for freestanding signs.

"Height (of a Sign)" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. (compare "Clearance")

"Identification Sign" means a sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a building, institution, or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.

"Illegal Sign" means a sign which does not meet the requirements of this code and which has not received legal non-conforming status.

"Illuminated Sign" means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

"Incidental Sign" means a small sign, emblem, or decal in-forming the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business not to exceed 2 square feet in total signage per property.

"Lot" means a parcel of land legally defined on a subdivision map recorded with the assessment department or land registry office, or a parcel of land defined by a legal record or survey map.

"Low Profile Sign (also "Monument Sign"). A sign mounted directly to the ground with maximum height not to exceed six (6) feet.

"Maintenance". For the purposes of this Ordinance, the cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or structure of the sign.

"Marquee" means a permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building. (compare "Awning")

"Mansard" means a sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally comparable to a building wall.

"Marquee Sign" means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure

"Monument Sign" (See "Low Profile Sign").

"Multiple-Faced Sign" means a sign containing three or more faces, not necessarily in back-to-back configuration.

"Nameplate" means a non-electric on-premise identification sign giving only the name, address, and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants.

"Nonconforming Sign" means:

1. A sign which was erected legally, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.
2. A sign which does not conform to the sign code requirements, but for which a special permit has been issued.

"Occupancy" means the portion of a building or premises owned, leased, rented, or otherwise occupied for a given use.

"Off-Premise Sign (also "Billboard")" means a sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, (e.g., "billboards" or "outdoor advertising.")

"Off-Site Directional Sign" means a sign which provides directional assistance to access an establishment conveniently and safely. Such signs shall be limited by the City Planner/Administrator in size, height, and placement as justified.

"On-Premise Sign" means a sign which pertains to the use of the premises and/or property on which it is located.

"Owner" means a person recorded as such on official records. For the purposes of this Ordinance, the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the City Planner/Administrator, e.g., a sign leased from a sign company.

"Painted Wall Sign" means any sign which is applied with paint or similar substance on the surface of a wall.

"Parapet" means the extension of a false front or wall above a roof line.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership, or similarly defined interest.

"Point of Purchase Display" means advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, (e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser, tire display, etc.)

"Pole Cover" means cover enclosing or decorating poles or other structural supports of a sign.

"Political Sign" means a temporary sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum.

"Portable Sign" means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.

"Premises" means a parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.

"Projecting Sign" means a sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.

"Real Estate Sign" means a temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.

"Roof Line" means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.

"Roof Sign" means any sign erected over or on the roof of a building. (compare "Mansard," "Wall Sign")

"Rotating Sign" (see "Animated Sign, Mechanically Energized")

"Sign" means any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy for the primary purpose of identifying, providing directions, or advertising any establishment, product, goods, or services.

"Sign, Area Of" means:

1. Projecting and Freestanding. The area of a freestanding or projecting sign shall have only one side of any double- or multiple-faced sign counted in calculating its area. The area of the sign shall be measured as follows if the sign is composed of one or more individual cabinets:
   1. A rectilinear line of not more than eight sides shall be drawn around and enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module. The area shall then be summed and totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area shall not include embellishments such as pole covers, framing, decorative roofing, support structures, etc., provided that there is no written advertising copy on such embellishments.
   2. Wall Sign. The area shall be within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any rectilinear line geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message. If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the back-ground with no added decoration, the total sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area within the perimeter of each symbol or letter. The combined areas of the individual figures shall be considered the total sign area.

"Sign Plan or Master Sign Plan" means in cases where the proposed project is on a property that is in a Planned Development (PD) or other large scale development of 4 acres or more a master sign plan may be approved as part of a development agreement. It shall be processed as a conditional use permit.

"Snipe Sign" means a temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, etc.

"Subdivision Identification Sign" means a freestanding or wall sign identifying a recognized subdivision, condominium complex, or residential development.

"Temporary Sign" means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use.

"Under-Canopy Sign" means a sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.

"Use" means the purpose for which a building, lot, sign, or structure is intended, designed, occupied, or maintained.

""V" Sign" means a sign consisting of two (2) essentially equal faces, positioned at an angle subtending less than 179 degrees.

"Wall Sign" means a sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more than twenty-four inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the sides or edges. This definition includes painted, individual letter, and cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.

"Window Sign" means a sign installed inside or outside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside. The total window coverage shall not exceed 20% of the window area.

1. Signs Prohibited. The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
   1. Abandoned signs
   2. Banners, pennants, festoons, search lights (except as allowed in WZC 24.60.050).
   3. Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals.
   4. Snipe signs or signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, streetlights, or placed on any public property or public right-of-way.
   5. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign (this does not apply to allowed portable signs or to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business).
   6. Energized or animated signs/Message Boards/Sign Centers are incompatible with the historic nature of the community especially the fruit way (Hwy. 89) Moving or animated signs may distract drivers and are to be considered unsafe.
   7. Off-premise signs or billboards.
   8. No internally lit signs shall be allowed in the historic downtown or in areas adjacent to housing.
   9. Roof mounted signs.

It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, place, or maintain a sign in the City of Willard except in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

1. Permits Required. Unless otherwise provided by this Ordinance, all signs shall require permits and payment of fees as described in WZC 24.60.070. No permit is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy on painted, printed, or changeable copy signs if color and design do not change. All home occupation signs require permit approval. Decorations or symbolic signs shall be subject to conditional use permit review.
2. Signs Not Requiring Permits. The following types of signs are exempted from permit requirements but must be in conformance with all other requirements of this Ordinance:
   1. Construction signs of sixteen square feet or less.
   2. Temporary directional/information signs of nine square feet or less. Such signs shall be allowed for no more than three weeks duration.
   3. Holiday decorations in place up to 60 days or less.
   4. Nameplates of two square feet or less excluding home occupation uses.
   5. Political signs.
   6. Public signs or notices, or any sign relating to an emergency.
   7. Real estate signs not exceeding eight square feet or less and one sign per property.
   8. Window signs of ten percent or less of the of the window surface.
3. Maintenance. All signs shall be properly maintained. Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted if paint is required. Defective parts shall be replaced. The City Planner/City Planner/Administrator shall have the right under WZC 24.60.080 to order the repair or removal of any sign which is defective, damaged, or substantially deteriorated, as defined in the Building Code.
4. Lighting. Unless otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance, all signs may be externally illuminated. All internally illuminated signs shall be cutout style (Text is lit while background is unlit). Externally illuminated signs shall not glare or shine offsite and should be directed downward and be full cutoff style.
5. Changeable Copy. Unless otherwise specified by this Ordinance, any sign herein allowed may use manual, automatic, or electrically or mechanically activated changeable copy. Such automated text etc. must remain static for eight seconds or more.
6. Sign Contractor's License No person may engage in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, constructing, or maintaining signs without a valid contractor's license and all required state and federal licenses.
7. Indemnification And Insurance. All persons involved in the maintenance, installation, alteration, or relocation of signs near or upon any public right-of-way of property shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify the City, its officers, agents, and employees, against any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work insofar as this Ordinance has not specifically directed the placement of a sign.

All persons involved in the maintenance, installation, alteration, or relocation of signs shall maintain all required insurance and shall file with the state a satisfactory certificate of insurance to indemnify the state, county, or city against any form of liability.

1. Signs Permitted In All Zones. The following signs are allowed in all zones:
   1. All signs not requiring permits see WZC 24.60.040.
   2. One non-illuminated sign for each street frontage of a construction project, not to exceed forty-eight square feet in sign area in residential zones or sixty-four square feet in sign area in all other zones. Such signs may be erected sixty days prior to beginning of construction and shall be removed thirty days following completion of construction.
   3. One non-illuminated sign per lot or premises not to exceed twelve square feet in sign area. If real estate oriented, such signs must be removed fifteen days following sale, rental, or lease of real estate involved.
   4. One non-illuminated attached building nameplate per occupancy, not to exceed two square feet in sign area.
   5. Non-illuminated political signs per lot (as determined by City Planner/Administrator) not to exceed sixteen square feet per sign. Such signs shall not be erected more than sixty days prior to the election or referendum concerned and shall be removed ten days following such election or referendum. Political signs may be placed only on private property and only with the permission of the property owner.
   6. Directional information sign(s) per lot as required, but only as part of a Master Sign Plan.
   7. Temporary special events sign(s) and decoration(s) per premises as allowed by the temporary sign permit to be reviewed by the City Planner for special events, grand openings, or holidays. Such signs and decorations may be erected forty-five days prior to a special event or holiday and shall be removed seven days following the event or holiday. Such signs may be used for no more than fifty-two (52) days. No property shall allow total annual event/holiday signage to exceed 120 days.
2. Signs Permitted In Residential Zones.
   1. Signs are allowed as follows in residential zones:
      1. All signs as permitted in subsection A.
      2. One subdivision identification sign per street frontage, neighborhood, subdivision, or development, not to exceed forty-eight square feet in sign area in each location.
      3. One identification sign per entrance to apartment or condominium complex, not to exceed thirty-six square feet in sign area.
      4. For permitted nonresidential uses, including churches and synagogues, one freestanding sign, not to exceed forty-eight square feet in sign area, and one wall sign not to exceed forty-eight square feet in sign area.
      5. For home occupations, other than historical or agricultural signs, one sign not to exceed six square feet.
   2. Special regulations for residential zones are as follows:
      1. All allowed freestanding signs shall have a maximum height limit of six feet and shall have a setback of fifteen feet from any public right-of-way. All home occupation or business signs shall be subject to a conditional use permit.
3. Signs Permitted In Light Commercial and Limited Office Zones.
   1. Signs are allowed as follows in light commercial and limited office zones:
      1. All signs as permitted in subsections A and B.
      2. One freestanding sign or low profile sign per street frontage not to exceed four square foot in sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed forty-eight square feet of sign face per side without a sign master plan. Freestanding pole signs are prohibited.
      3. One wall sign or electric (remove) awning sign not to exceed fifteen percent of aggregate area of building elevation on which the signs are installed.
      4. One under-canopy sign for each separate occupancy or separate entrance not to exceed eight square feet in sign area. Under-canopy signs must have a minimum clearance of eight feet to grade.
      5. Incidental signs not to exceed four square feet of sign area per occupancy.
      6. Directional/information signs as required, including off-site directional signs.
   2. Special regulations and allowances for light commercial and office zones are as follows:
      1. Where occupancy is on a corner lot, a minimum clear view zone is to be maintained in a triangulated area at the point of intersection to allow an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic.
      2. Freestanding signs shall maintain a minimum clearance of ten feet over any pedestrian use and fourteen feet over any vehicular way.
4. Signs Permitted In Commercial and Industrial Zones.
   1. Signs are allowed as follows in commercial and industrial zones:
      1. All signs as permitted in subsections A, B, and C.
      2. One freestanding sign per street frontage not to exceed four square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building- frontage not to exceed 64 square feet of sign face without a sign master plan. Signs must not project beyond property lines nor exceed a height of twenty five feet. Where street frontage exceeds three hundred lineal feet, one additional freestanding sign may be allowed per three hundred foot increment.
      3. Wall signs not to exceed ten percent of the aggregate square footage of the wall area upon which they are installed. Electric (remove) awning signs not to exceed thirty percent of the aggregate square footage of the wall area upon which they are installed. The combination of wall signs and electric awning signs shall not exceed thirty percent of the allowed wall area.
      4. Projecting signs may be used instead of any wall or freestanding signs provided they do not project beyond the property line and maintain a clearance of eight ten feet over pedestrian areas, and fourteen feet over vehicular ways.
      5. Roof signs may be allowed (where no other sign types can provide effective identification). Roof signs shall be constructed so as to conceal all structure and fastenings. The height of the roof sign shall not exceed twenty percent of the total height of the building to which it is attached.
      6. One under-canopy sign for each separate occupancy or separate entrance not to exceed eight square feet in sign area. Under-canopy signs must have a minimum clearance of eight feet to grade.
      7. Incidental signs not to exceed four square feet in aggregate area per occupancy.
      8. Portable and temporary signs may be used for a period not to exceed twenty days in a calendar year. Such signs require permits and must be installed in accordance with building and electrical codes.
      9. Off-site directional signs as required.
      10. All signs (freestanding, projecting, awning, marquee, canopy, under-canopy, etc.) must maintain minimum clearances and construction electrical standards.
      11. All freestanding signs within two thousand feet of a controlled freeway including entrances and exits may be installed to a height of seventy-five feet or twenty-five feet above freeway grade, whichever is less. The principal purpose of such signs must be to address freeway traffic. Such signs must be freestanding only. Where conditions warrant (such as visual impairment or other unusual conditions), maximum height may be increased to one hundred feet. No sign may be placed or designed so as to simulate or interfere with traffic control devices or official highway directional/information signs.

1. Determination Of Legal Nonconformity. Existing signs which do not conform to the specific provisions of the Ordinance may be eligible for the designation "legal nonconforming" provided that:
   1. The City Planner/Administrator determines such signs are properly maintained and do not in any way endanger the public.
   2. The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit or complied with all applicable laws on the date of adoption of this Ordinance.
2. Loss Of Legal Nonconforming Status. A legal nonconforming sign may lose this designation if:
   1. The sign is relocated or replaced.
   2. The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except toward compliance with this Ordinance. This does not refer to change of copy or normal maintenance.
3. Maintenance And Repair Of Nonconforming Signs. The legal Non-conforming sign is subject to all requirements of this code regarding safety, maintenance, and repair. However, if the sign suffers more than fifty percent damage or deterioration, as based on appraisal, it must be brought into conformance with this code or removed.

1. Construction Specifications. All signs shall be installed in compliance with building and electrical codes as required by the City Planner/Administrator.
   

1. Code City Planner/Administrator. The City Planner/City Planner/Administrator shall be appointed by the city council or board and is authorized to process applications for permits and variances, hold public hearings as required, and enforce and carry out all provisions of this code. The City Planner/Administrator is authorized to promulgate regulations and procedures consistent with this function. The City Planner/City Planner/Administrator is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure, or premises in the City for the purpose of inspection of a sign and its structural and electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency exists.
2. Application For Permit. Application for a permit for the erection or relocation of a sign shall be made to the City Planner/Administrator upon a form provided by the City Planner/Administrator and shall include the following information:
   1. Name and address of the owner of the sign.
   2. Street address or location of the property on which the sign is to be located, along with the name and address of the property owner.
   3. The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this Ordinance.
   4. A site plan with measurements showing the proposed location of the sign along with the locations of all existing signs on the same premises.
   5. Specifications and drawings showing the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, and electrical components of the proposed sign.
3. Permit Fees. All applications for permits filed with the City Planner/Administrator shall be accompanied by a payment of the initial permit fee for each sign as required by the City Council.
4. Issuance And Denial. The City Planner/Administrator shall issue a permit and permit sticker or tag for the erection, structural alteration, or relocation of a sign within ten working days of receipt of a complete application, provided that the sign complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the City. In all applications, where a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail.
   When a permit is denied, the City Planner/Administrator shall, within five days, give a written notice to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for denial, citing code sections and interpretation of possible nonconformity. The City Planner/Administrator may suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application.
5. Permit Conditions, Refunds And Penalties. If a permit is denied, the permit fee may be refunded to the applicant. If no inspections have been made and no work authorized by the permit has been performed, the permit fee, except for $10.00, may be refunded to the applicant upon request, provided that the permit and permit sticker or tag is returned to the City Planner/Administrator within 5 days of issuance. If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However, payment of the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirements or penalties prescribed in this Ordinance.
6. Inspection Upon Completion. Any person installing, structurally altering, or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued shall notify the City Planner/Administrator upon completion of the work. The City Planner/Administrator may require a final inspection, including an electrical inspection and inspection of footings on freestanding signs. The City Planner/Administrator may require at the time of issuance of a permit that written notification for ministratoran inspection be submitted prior to the installation of certain signs.
7. Violations. When, in the opinion of the City Planner/Administrator, a violation of the code exists, the City Planner/Administrator shall issue a written order to the alleged violator. The order shall specify those sections of the code which the individual may be in violation of and shall state that the individual has 30 days from the date of the order in which to correct the alleged violation or to appeal to the council or board. If, upon inspection, the City Planner/Administrator finds that a sign is abandoned or structurally, materially or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the public, the City Planner/Administrator shall issue a written order to the owner of the sign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and requiring them to repair or remove the sign within 5 days of the date of the order. In cases of emergency, the City Planner/Administrator may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. Signs removed in this manner must present a hazard to the public safety as defined in the local building or traffic codes.
8. Sign Removal By The City Planner/Administrator. The City Planner/Administrator may cause the removal of an illegal sign in cases of emergency, or for failure to comply with the written orders of removal or repair. After removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the City Planner/Administrator. If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within 30 days of the notice, it shall become an assessment upon a lien against the property of the sign owner, and will be certified as an assessment against the property together with a 10 percent penalty for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes. The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the City Planner/Administrator, as in the case of a leased sign. For purposes of removal, the definition of sign shall include all sign embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sign.
9. Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation, association, partnership, or governmental instrumentality, whether as principal, agent, employee, or otherwise, violating or causing the violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance, or failing or refusing to do some act required under this Ordinance, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. A separate offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each day that the violation occurs or continues.
   1. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance may be subject to a civil fine/Ad of $50 for each week or portion thereof that the violation continues, up to a maximum of $1000.
10. Appeals Any failure to respond to an application within 30 days of receipt of any decision rendered by the City Planner/Administrator in denying a permit or variance or in alleging a violation of this Ordinance may be appealed to the council or board within 30 days of the City Planner/Administrator's receipt of application. The action being appealed shall be held in abeyance pending the decision of the council or board.