§ 15.15. Maintenance of signs.

a.

All signs, streamers, pennants, and banners, and all components thereof, including without limitation supports, braces, and anchors, shall be kept in state of good repair. With respect to freestanding signs, components (supporting structures, backs, etc.) not bearing a message shall be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment or shall be painted a neutral color to blend with the natural environment.

1.

The city manager or his designee is authorized to cause any sign to be removed similarly and without notice, at the expense of the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located, whenever he/she determines that such sign is an immediate peril to persons or property.

2.

If the city manager or his designee shall find that any sign is insecure, eligible, fading, or in a state of disrepair, he/she shall give written notice to the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or the premises on which such sign is located. Correction of the condition which caused the city manager or his designee to give such notice shall be effected within 30 days after receipt of the notice. If such condition is not corrected after the conclusion of such 30-day period, the city manager or his designee is hereby authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located.

b.

If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting "shell" of a sign, the owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such sign shall, within six months of the removal of the message portion of the sign either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign within six months. The owner of a commercial establishment that is no longer in business shall remove the message portion of the sign within 30 days of discontinuing business operations. This subsection shall not be construed to alter the effect of section 15.16 which prohibits the replacement of a nonconforming sign. Nor shall this subsection be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.