22.5 PERMIT PROCESS

22.5.1 Action on Permit Application. 22.5.1.1 Applications not requiring Planning Commission approval shall be reviewed by the Town Official. 22.5.1.2 Applications for permits requiring Planning Commission approval shall be placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission following the meeting at which the requirements for the application have been met. The Planning Commission shall review such application for action in conformity with the provisions of Town Ordinances. The commission shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny a permit, or recommend to the Town Council the approval, approval with conditions or denial of a permit, based on the criteria set forth in this and other applicable Town Ordinances. 22.5.2 Unacceptable Applications. No sign permit application shall be accepted if: 22.5.2.1 The applicant has installed any sign in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance and, at the time of the submission of the application, such sign does not comply with this Ordinance, or has not been removed or included in the application; or 22.5.2.2 Any sign, under the control of the applicant or property owner of the property where a sign was installed in violation of this Ordinance and which, at the time of submission of the application, does not comply with this Ordinance, or has not been removed or included in the application. 22.5.3 Bar on Refiling. No sign permit application shall be accepted which is substantially the same as an application previously denied, unless twelve (12) months have elapsed from the date of the final decision on the application and appeals thereof, and new evidence or proof of significantly changed conditions is furnished in the new application. 22.5.4 Permits Reviewed By Town Official. The Town Official shall review sign permit applications for signs requiring the approval of the Town Official. The Town Official shall approve or deny the application within thirty (30) working days or determine that the application has special circumstances requiring it to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. If a review by the Planning Commission is required, the application shall be placed on the agenda for the next regular Planning Commission meeting following the meeting in which the application was submitted. 22.5.5 Sign Review Findings. Prior to approving a sign permit application, the Town Official shall find that: 22.5.5.1 The sign is in proportion with and visually consistent with the architectural character of the building and the surrounding area; 22.5.5.2 The sign does not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing signing in the area; 22.5.5.3 The sign, if in a residential zone, is harmonious and compatible with the residential character of the zone; 22.5.5.4 The sign complies with all provisions of this chapter, other applicable Town Ordinances and is consistent with the Town’s architectural and design guidelines. 22.5.6 Issuance or Denial 22.5.6.1 Issuance: A permit for a sign shall be issued when the application has been given final approval as prescribed in this chapter and the proposed sign, and the building or business with which it is associated, complies with all appropriate laws and Ordinances. 22.5.6.2 Suspension, Revocation: The Planning Commission may suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this section whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of material fact or fraud. Such suspension or revocation shall be in writing. 22.5.6.3 Denial: When a sign permit is denied written notice shall be given to the applicant by mail within ten (10) working days of the denial. Such notice shall contain a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial. 22.5.6.4 Unlawful: No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to erect or maintain an unlawful sign, nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.