15.06.440 Sign alteration and removal.
A. Altering or Moving Existing Signs.
1. Any alteration to an existing sign, other than for a change of copy or for maintenance, shall require a new sign permit pursuant to PMC 15.06.210. Alterations shall include, without limitation:
a. Changing the size of the sign;
b. Changing the shape of the sign;
c. Changing the material of which the sign is constructed;
d. Changing or adding lighting to the sign;
e. Changing the location of the sign; or
f. Changing the height of the sign.
2. Existing nonconforming signs may be altered in any way that does not change the size, height, background, shape or location of the sign without bringing the entire sign into conformance; provided, that the cost of the alteration is less than fifty percent (50%) of the sign’s replacement cost.
B. Sign Removal or Repair. In addition to any other remedies available under this chapter, the Town Manager may issue a written notice to sign owners of the need to remove or repair a sign, as follows:
1. Any sign that does not meet the requirements set forth in this chapter and does not qualify as a legal nonconforming sign under PMC 15.06.120.
2. Any sign that has not been used in a bona fide manner as a sign for a consecutive period of thirty (30) days and deemed abandoned by the Town Manager.
3. Any sign that is in disrepair or unsafe and deemed hazardous by the Town Manager.
4. Any sign identifying a business, professional or industrial establishment that has moved from the premises.
C. Violations.
1. The Town Manager may inspect any sign and shall have authority to order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of a sign and/or sign structure that is prohibited or constitutes a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of abandonment or inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence.
2. When in the opinion of the Town Manager, a violation of these regulations exists, the Town Manager shall issue a written order to the alleged violator. The order shall specify those sections of these regulations of which the individual may be in violation and shall state that the individual has fifteen (15) days from the date of the order in which to correct the alleged violation or to appeal to the Board of Adjustment.
3. In the event that corrections are not completed in the allocated time frame, or the sign owner has failed to make a good-faith effort to do so, the Town Manager may, at his discretion, provide a written citation for signage violations, pursuant to PMC 15.01.280.
D. Removal by Town. The Town Manager 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 Town Manager together with an additional ten percent (10%) for inspection and incidental costs.
1. If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within thirty (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 for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes.
2. 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 Town Manager, as in the case of a leased sign. (Ord. 711 §1 (Exh. A), 2017; Amended Ord. 794 §4, 2021)