24-2-2 Enforcement authorization

(1) The zoning administrator or an authorized representative shall enforce this chapter and is empowered and directed to: (a) issue permits to construct, alter, or repair signs. The expiration date for such permits shall be in conjunction with building permits. (b) ascertain that all signs, constructions, and all reconstructions or modifications of existing signs are built in conformance with the zoning ordinance by conducting or causing to be conducted: (i) an initial inspection after construction, including an inspection of temporary electrical signs. (ii) a re-inspection of any sign for which a permit was issued but which, upon initial inspection, was not built in complete compliance with the regulations of this chapter. (c) institute an appropriate action or proceeding in any case where any sign is illegally erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained, or in any case where any sign is used in violation of any county ordinance or code. To this end the zoning administrator or designee may: (i) issue a written notice of violation to the person having charge or control or benefit of any sign found to be unsafe, dangerous, or in violation of this chapter, particularly when the Tooele County is contemplating removal of the sign; (ii) abate and remove unsafe or dangerous signs not repaired or made safe within seven days after the owner has received written notice; (iii) abate and remove illegal signs not made conforming within 30 days after written notice has been given; (iv) abate and remove temporary signs posted upon private property without a permit or which are otherwise illegal, which, after written notice, have not been made conforming after 72 hours either through removal or by obtaining a temporary sign permit; (v) remove any sign posted upon public property, but shall not destroy the sign for a period less than 30 days from the date of removal; (vi) abate and remove non-maintained or abandoned signs or signs identifying a discontinued use. The zoning administrator shall require each such sign to be removed from the building or premises when such sign has not been repaired or put into use by the owner, person having control or person receiving benefit of such structure within 30 days after written notice is given to such person; (vii) if a permanent sign is installed without a permit, or is illegal as defined by this Chapter and is not made conforming within 30 calendar days after written notice has been given, the zoning administrator may at once abate and remove said sign. The person responsible for any such illegal posting shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof and the County is authorized to effect the collection of said cost; (viii) initiate action with the Tooele County Attorney's Office for: 1) injunctive relief; or 2) the filing of criminal charges against violators; or (ix) issue citations to violators for non-compliance. (2) The person having charge, control, or benefit of or who posted any sign removed by Tooele County shall pay to Tooele County within 30 days after written notice and invoice is mailed to such person the costs incurred in such removal. (Ord. 2002-13, 6/18/02)