§ 20.58.150. Enforcement--Removal of signs.

The requirements for enforcement of sign regulations and removal of illegal signs are as follows:

A. Where it is determined that a sign has been erected or installed in violation of this chapter, abandoned as defined in Section 20.58.050, improperly maintained as provided in Section 20.58.140(C), or is otherwise in violation of this chapter, written notice of this determination and the grounds therefor shall be sent or delivered to the owner of the sign or, where ownership of the sign is not known, to the owner of the property where the sign is posted. If the notice cannot be sent or delivered to the owner of the sign, then the notice shall also be attached to the sign. The notice shall give the owner of the sign or property, as the case may be, ten business days from the date of mailing or attachment, as the case may be, to remove the sign or to appeal the determination and shall include instructions for how such appeal may be made.

B. To appeal the determination, the owner of the sign or the property, as the case may be, may file a written request with the director of planning and community development no later than the deadline given to remove the sign. The director or designee shall arrange an appointment to review the notice of violation and to allow the owner to present evidence to rebut the determination. After all of the facts have been reviewed, the director shall write a decision setting forth the basis of the final determination. The decision shall be delivered to the owner of the sign or the property, as the case may be, personally or by certified mail within ten days of the decision. The owner of the sign or the property, as the case may be, may appeal the decision in accordance with Chapter 20.52.

C. If neither the owner of the sign nor the owner of the property responds to the notice of violation under subsection A of this section, the director of planning and community development shall then notify the owner of the property by certified mail, that the period to appeal has passed and that if the sign is not removed within ten business days from the date of the notice, a misdemeanor citation will be filed.

D. Notwithstanding any other provisions herein to the contrary, public information signs in the public right-of-way have been determined by the director of planning and community development to have nominal value and if posted in clear disregard of the provisions of this chapter, may be removed without notice or hearing.

E. Where it is determined that the sign in question poses an imminent safety hazard or dangerous condition, which may affect the public health, safety and welfare, such sign may be removed immediately and stored by the city. As soon as practical following removal, the owner of the sign shall be given notice of violation and the right to a hearing pursuant to subsection B of this section, and if the owner establishes such removal to be improper, the owner shall be entitled to return of the signs without charge. In all other cases, the sign will be returned to the owner only upon payment of removal and storage costs. If the sign is not claimed within thirty days after the decision become final, the sign may be destroyed.

(Ord. 93-10-1169 § 2 (part)).