18.29.160 Maintenance of Signs

A. Signs regulated by this chapter shall be maintained in good visual appearance and structural condition at all times. 1. If a sign does not conform with the requirements of this chapter or if the construction, design, manner of use, or method of anchoring or supporting any sign makes such sign unsafe, the city shall proceed in any manner deemed necessary to cause the removal of the sign or the rebuilding of the sign to conform with the requirements of this chapter, or to remedy the defects herein. All signs must meet the requirements of the international building codes and safety regulations of the city. 2. The city, its employees or agents shall not be liable for negligence or failure of the owner, or the person responsible for maintaining any sign, to keep such sign in good condition or be responsible for any damage caused by defective conditions. 3. Any person occupying a building or portion of a building, who owns or maintains a sign in connection therewith shall, upon discontinuing the business advertised, cause the sign to be removed. Any person who owns and maintains a sign which is maintained for the benefit of another person who occupies a building or part of a building whereon the sign is located shall cause the sign to be removed if the person for whom the sign is maintained vacates the premises. a. A commercial sign attached to, or associated with, a business operated in a particular building shall be deemed to be abandoned if the business ceases its operation in the building. 4. Failure of the owner of the sign or of the person responsible for maintaining same to remove the sign within thirty days after notice from the city shall be considered as a violation of this chapter and shall subject the owner of the sign and the owner of the property to the penalties herein. (Ord.2009-6, dated 5/12/09)