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Downtown December 3, 2018 A. Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public safety and welfare by regulating signs in keeping with the following objectives: 1. To improve the visual environment and promote economic development while providing adequate standards for the display of signs; 2. To allow for maximum creativity while enhancing the quality of signs; 3. To ensure that the design, construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of signs protects public safety from potential hazards, especially those along public rights-of-way and near intersections; 4. To ensure that city rights-of-way are used in a manner consistent with the public interest; 5. To minimize incompatibility between signs and their surroundings; 6. To regulate signs in accordance with the city’s policies and consistent with the U.S. and Colorado Constitutions; and 7. To protect the right to free speech by the display of messages on a sign through content-neutral regulations. B. Applicability 1. All signs and sign support structures shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and all other applicable provisions of the Blackfoot City Code. 2. No sign shall be displayed in the city limits until the city has issued a permit for it unless it is exempt from a permit. 3. No permit shall be issued unless the applicant demonstrates that the proposed sign meets the requirements of this chapter. 4. All sign face changes including repairs and/or sign face replacements, except for changing or replacing text on changeable copy signs, require a permit. No permit fee will be required. 5. Minimum submittal requirements and sign permit applications are available in the administrative manual. Fees for permits and installation shall be established and from time to time revised by resolution of the city council. 6. When a sign permit is requested for a parcel where nonconforming, illegal, or prohibited signs exist, no sign permit shall be issued until all such signs are removed or brought into conformance with this chapter. C. Savings and Severability 1. Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted, subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs. 2. If any clause, section, or other part of the application of this chapter shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, it is the intent of the city that such clause, section, or other part of the application of this section shall be considered eliminated and not affecting the validity of the remaining clauses, sections, or applications which shall remain in full force and effect. D. Conflicts with Other Provisions ---PAGE BREAK--- Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed a waiver of the provisions of any other ordinance or regulation applicable to signs. Signs located in areas governed by several ordinances or applicable regulations shall comply with all such ordinances and regulations. If there is a conflict between this chapter and any other ordinance or regulation, the more stringent shall apply. The following non-illuminated signs may be erected in compliance with this chapter without the issuance of a sign permit. Such signs may be allowed in addition to all other signs permitted and shall conform to setbacks, height, and other applicable requirements of this chapter. A. Public Signs Public signs are exempt from the standards and permit requirements specified in this chapter, but shall be consistent with the design standards specified in this chapter to the extent practical and shall not include any signs expressly prohibited by this chapter. B. Yard Signs Yard signs are allowed and are exempt from the sign permit requirement provided such signs: 1. Shall not exceed two per property at any one time; 2. Shall not exceed 12 square feet per sign in the R1, R2, R3, and RA zoning districts, and shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign in all other zoning districts; and 3. Shall not exceed a height of four feet in the R1, R2, R3, and RA zoning districts, and shall not exceed a height of eight feet in all other zoning districts. C. Flags Any flag affixed to a permanent flagpole or affixed to a building, not including feather flags, is allowed and is exempt from the sign permit requirement provided the area of the flag shall not exceed 32 square feet in the R1, R2, R3, and RA districts. In mixed-use and nonresidential zoning districts, flags and flag structures may extend up to five feet over the maximum height allowed in the underlying zoning district. D. Window Signs Window signs are allowed and are exempt from the sign permit requirement, provided window signage does not cover more than 25 percent of a window opening or 50 percent of any one window panel if a window opening contains multiple window panels. E. Signs Located Inside a Building Signs located inside a building are allowed and are exempt from the sign permit requirement provided any interior sign within six feet of any window shall not have any flashing or moving lights, including video monitors and electronic message signs. F. Integral Signs Any inscription carved into stone or similar material that is integral to a building, such as is commonly found on cornerstones or stamped into sidewalks, is allowed and is exempt from the sign permit requirement. Such integral signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. 1ollowing signs are prohibited unless otherwise stated in this chapter. A. Distracting, Interfering, or Confusing Signs ---PAGE BREAK--- 1. Signs that cause visual obstruction or interfere with motor vehicle traffic or a traffic-control device, including any sign that obstructs clear vision in any direction from any street intersection or driveway. 2. Signs employing a lighting or control mechanism that causes radio, radar, or television interference. 3. Signs that obstruct any fire escape, window, door, or opening used or required as a means of egress or ingress, or for emergency purposes, or that interfere with any openings required for light or ventilation. 4. Signs in rights-of-way or on other public property unless specifically permitted or provided for in this chapter. B. Animated or Moving Signs 1. Animated or moving signs except for scoreboards for athletic events, time and temperature devices, electronic message signs used by the city or other public agency to address a health or safety matter or public service announcement or permitted electronic message signs. 2. Inflatable signs such as balloons and inflatable figures, or other similar moving, fluttering, or revolving devices. 3. Pennants and wind socks, unless approved with a temporary sign permit. C. Feather Flags Feather flags and similar devices, unless approved with a temporary sign permit. D. Neon or LED Lighting Signs Neon or LED lighting not within the lettering or logo of a sign shall be subject to General Sign Regulations, and to the section on Outdoor Lighting. E. Portable Signs 1. Portable signs, except as authorized in section 2. Signs on parked vehicles or trailers unless: a. Such vehicle or trailer is operational, currently registered with current tags, and parked in a b. functional parking space or behind a primary building; Such signs are not located on top of a vehicle, except for delivery vehicles; and c. Such signs are not electronic message signs. F. Roof-Mounted Signs Roof signs or any portion of a sign or sign cabinet or frame extending above the parapet or roof eave, except for historic signs on historic landmarks. G. Posters, Handbills, and Painted Signs 1. Signs painted on or attached to fences. 2. Signs attached to utility poles or other poles or structures, except bus stop signs, within public rights- of-way. H. Off-Premises Signs Off-premises signs, except transit-stop signs. ---PAGE BREAK--- I. Abandoned or Inoperable Signs 1. Inoperable, unsafe, malfunctioning, unrepaired, or dilapidated signs. 2. Unused or abandoned signs, including any pole, post, or structure supporting such sign. J. Signs within the Sight Distance Triangle To preserve sight distance, an unobstructed view shall be maintained within sight distance triangles as follows: 1. No signs, except traffic signs, shall exceed a height of 36 inches above the grade of the lower roadway within a sight distance triangle. 2. Sign projection or overhang across a sight distance triangle shall be permitted only when the bottom of the sign surface is a minimum of nine feet above the grade of the higher roadway. Sign supports not complying with section 15.06.030.J.2 above shall not be located within a sight distance triangle. A. Signs for Single-Tenant Buildings 1. The number and size requirements for each type of sign allowed for single-tenant buildings are indicated in Table 2. Wall sign length shall not exceed 70 percent of building frontage. 3. Signs shall be appropriately scaled and compatible with buildings and other features of the site in terms of color, materials, design, and illumination. B. Signs for Multiple-Tenant Buildings 1. Sign Locations Signs for multiple-tenant buildings are allowed only within the designated sign areas as shown on an approved sign permit application. 2. Individual Tenant Signs a. Freestanding Signs No individual tenant in a multiple-tenant building or development is allowed a separate freestanding sign. The total sign area allowed for freestanding signs on a multiple-tenant property is indicated in Table . b. Wall and Projecting Signs i. Individual tenants in multi-tenant buildings are permitted wall and projecting signs as indicated in Table 6.1. Approved wall area is based on the length of the exterior wall(s) of individual tenant spaces. ii. In instances where a building contains tenants without an exterior wall, additional sign area for such interior tenants in the building may be included on a shared exterior sign. Such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. iii. Wall sign length shall not exceed 70 percent of building frontage associated with the respective tenant. Signs shall be appropriately scaled and compatible with buildings and other features of the site in terms of color, materials, design, and illumination. C. Signs within Historic Districts, Mixed-Use Downtown (MU-D), and the Blackfoot Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Boundaries ---PAGE BREAK--- All signs within a local historic district, the MU-D district, or the DDA boundaries as defined in Ordinance (“DDA boundaries”), shall be appropriate and compatible with buildings and other features of the site in terms of color, materials, and design. Signs shall also comply with adopted design guidelines for local historic districts and C-O districts, the MU-D district, and the DDA boundaries, as applicable. D. Signs in Downtown Breezeways, Rights-Of-Way and Other Public Property The Blackfoot Downtown Development Authority (DDA) may install banners and signs attached to light and utility poles in the breezeways, rights-of-way, and other public property within the DDA boundaries. E. Signs Located in or Extending Into or Over Public Property Signs allowed under this sign code that are located on or extend into public property require approval of a revocable use of public places permit pursuant to chapter 13.37. Temporary signs allowed on city property are exempt. F. Temporary Sign Permits Temporary signs, unless exempt, shall require a permit pursuant to section 15.06.070 and compliance with the following standards. 1. Term Temporary signs may be displayed for no more than 30 days in any calendar quarter (January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December. 2. Limit on Number An applicant may only use one of the temporary sign categories, F.4 through F.8 under a temporary sign permit. 3. Public Safety All temporary signs in this subsection F shall be installed in a manner that does not create a safety hazard or impede pedestrian access. 4. Temporary Banners Temporary banners may be allowed with a temporary sign permit provided they comply with the following: a. No banner shall exceed 16 square feet, unless the applicant demonstrates that a larger banner is necessary for legibility due to the proposed location of the banner; b. No more than one banner shall be displayed on a property at any one time; c. Banners shall be professionally printed on durable material; and d. Banners on public property shall comply with section 15.06.040.G. a. 5. Feather Flags Feather flags may be allowed with a temporary sign permit, pursuant to the following: a. Maximum of one per 75 feet of street frontage; b. Maximum of three per property; c. Shall not exceed 12 feet in height; and d. Shall be set back from the property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the feather flag. 6. Wind Socks ---PAGE BREAK--- Wind socks may be allowed with a temporary sign permit, pursuant to the following: a. Maximum one per property; b. Maximum of 15 feet in height; and c. Shall be set back from the property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the wind sock. 7. Pennants Pennants may be allowed with a temporary sign permit, provided that no pennant shall exceed the height of the permanent structure to which it is attached. 8. Portable A-Frame Sign Portable A-frame signs may be allowed with a temporary sign permit, pursuant to the following: a. Maximum one per business; b. Maximum six square feet; and c. Maximum four feet in height. 9. Temporary signs within the DDA boundaries shall be subject to the downtown sign design standards in section 15.06.110. G. Portable Signs and Banners on Public Property Where buildings have been built legally to the property line, portable signs and banners are allowed subject to the following standards: 1. Portable signs may be allowed on public property only if there is not adequate space to display a sign on private property. 2. Portable signs or banners on public property shall be installed to provide adequate space to accommodate pedestrian maintenance access and to minimize potential hazards for pedestrians and vehicles. 3. Portable signs are limited to one per street frontage except that for multi-tenant buildings or developments, one additional portable sign may be allowed on any street frontage for buildings having more than 25 feet of street frontage. 4. Banners shall be attached flat to a building wall or flat to an approved seating enclosure on public property. No freestanding temporary signs, including wind signs, are allowed on public property, except for downtown special event signs allowed under the downtown sign design standards. H. Sign Color High intensity colors and fluorescent pigments shall not be used on any sign, sign cabinet or frame, or support structure except as sign trim or on a sign logo not exceeding five percent of the sign area and compatible with the primary building design and color. I. Sign Illumination 1. Illumination of signs shall comply with the outdoor lighting standards in section 15.05.140. 2. Signs shall not exceed 100 nits (candela/square meter) between one-half hour before sunset and one- half hour after sunrise and 1,000 nits during other times. Signs shall include automatic dimmer controls to adjust brightness levels. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3. Exposed neon and exposed LED lighting on any portion of a building or structure except within the lettering or logo on a freestanding or wall sign, is subject to the provisions of section 15.05.140, outdoor lighting. Exposed neon and exposed LED lighting is prohibited on signs within or adjacent to and facing a residential zoning district unless otherwise exempted in this chapter. 4. Signs within or adjacent to and facing a residential zoning district shall be located, shielded, and screened to prevent direct light or glare onto adjacent uses or properties. J. Sign Measurement and Location 1. Sign Height The height of a sign shall be measured from the average grade at the base of a sign to the highest point of the sign, including all support structures. For freestanding signs located on a slope or berm, the height of the sign shall be measured from the average grade established between the base of the sign and the lot line; or where the lot line is more than six feet from the base of the sign, between the base of the sign and a point six feet down slope from the sign. 2. Sign Area a. Single-Faced Signs The area of a sign shall include the entire area within a continuous single perimeter enclosing the limits of the text, symbols, photographs, logos, and display faces, including any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed. The area shall exclude support structures on which a sign is placed. b. Double-Faced Signs All signs other than wall signs may be back-to-back (two sign faces), and each face may have an area not to exceed the maximum stated for each respective type of sign. c. Three-Dimensional Signs The sign area of a three-dimensional sign shall be calculated by adding the area of two adjacent vertical faces of the smallest cube that can encompass such sign. Area 1 + Area 2 = Total Sign Area 3. Sign Location Attached signs shall be located only in approved sign wall areas as follows: a. All Buildings Approved sign areas shall be located consistent with building architecture and shall not detract from key building features. Signs shall be aligned on single-tenant and multi-tenant buildings within consistent sign bands, except that signs at customer entrances or on other prominent building features shall be located consistent with architectural features. b. Single-Tenant Buildings For a building containing one tenant, any exterior façade wall that is facing an abutting public street or alley or any exterior wall facing a customer parking lot of the use. c. Multi-Tenant Buildings i. Any exterior façade wall of an individual tenant that has a public entrance and exit; ii. Any exterior façade wall of an individual tenant that faces an abutting public street or alley, or the customer parking lot of the building; and ---PAGE BREAK--- K. Discontinued Use or Change in Use 1. Whenever the approved use of a property or tenant space is discontinued for more than 90 days, all signs and sign support structures on that subject property and/or tenant space shall be removed. Any new use established on the subject property shall comply with this chapter. 2. Whenever a permit is requested to change a sign or sign face, the sign and support structure shall also comply with this chapter. Individual sign faces on a multi-tenant freestanding sign are exempt. Sign Type Standards A. Wall Signs Wall signs are allowed as indicated: 1. Wall signs may project out from the façade on which the wall sign is attached up to a maximum of 12 inches. 2. Wall signs shall not extend beyond the height of a building parapet or top of wall. 3. An increase in wall sign area up to 25 percent shall be allowed for buildings that are located 300 feet or more from the street frontage that the wall sign is facing. 4. Cabinet signs are prohibited in the residential zoning districts. 5. Creative wall sign designs are encouraged. B. Projecting Signs Projecting signs are allowed as indicated. Additionally, projecting signs: 1. Shall provide a minimum clearance of eight feet between the sign and the sidewalk over which the sign is located. 2. May project out from the façade on which the projecting sign is attached up to a maximum of five feet. 3. Shall not extend beyond the height of a building parapet or top of wall. 4. Projecting cabinet signs are prohibited in the MU-D zoning district. 5. 5. Creative projecting sign designs are encouraged. Also see section 15.06.070.B for sign design incentives. C. Awning Signs Awning signs are allowed as indicated: 1. Awning signs shall be stitched to or otherwise incorporated directly into the awning. No portion of such sign shall be riveted or otherwise fastened to the frame or directly to the awning. 2. Plastic, vinyl, acrylic or similar awning signs are prohibited. 3. Creative awning designs are encouraged. 4. Awning frames shall comply with building code requirements. D. Canopy Signs Canopy signs are allowed as indicated: 1. Canopy signs shall be integrated into the canopy design. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2. Individual sign lettering may be placed on top of a first story canopy attached to a building entrance provided the letters do not interfere with key architectural elements. 3. Cabinet signs attached to a canopy are prohibited. 4. Creative canopy sign designs are encouraged. E. Blade Signs Blade signs are allowed as indicated: 1. Blade signs shall not extend beyond the edge of an awning, canopy, arcade, gallery, or other structure. 2. Blade signs shall provide a minimum clearance of eight feet between the sign and the sidewalk over which the sign is located. 3. Blade signs shall not count against the overall maximum signage allowed. 4. Creative blade sign designs are encouraged and cabinet signs are prohibited as blade signs. F. Changeable Copy Signs – Wall Changeable copy wall signs are allowed as indicated. Changeable copy wall signs may project up to a maximum of 12 inches from the façade on which they are attached. G. Changeable Copy Signs – Freestanding Freestanding changeable copy signs are allowed. H. Standards Applicable to All Freestanding Signs 1. Freestanding Sign Separation a. Freestanding signs on adjacent lots or development parcels for different uses on the same street frontage shall be separated by the maximum distance practicable to minimize impacts on the visual environment, allow for adequate sign visibility, and to comply with the sight distance standards. The applicant shall submit scaled plans (and digital images and photo simulations when requested by the city) depicting the location of existing and planned freestanding signs. b. Freestanding signs on the same lot or parcel on intersecting street frontages shall be separated by at least 200 feet as measured by a straight line between signs. c. Freestanding signs shall be set back from the nearest principal building on the same lot or parcel by a minimum distance equal to the height of the sign. 2. Side Yard Setback for Freestanding Signs Unless otherwise permitted in this sign code, freestanding signs shall be set back from any interior side lot line a distance equal to the height of the sign, except that monument signs not exceeding six feet in height may be within one foot, subject to sight distance restrictions. 3.Freestanding Sign Design a All freestanding signs shall be of a monument design including a monument base attached to the ground Pole covers required b Monument bases shall be constructed of brick, stone, wood or metal material consistent and compatible with an exte material and color of the primary building. c For monument signs with a sign cabinet, the monument base shall be equal or greater in depth and length than the s cabinet. Sign cabinets for freestanding signs shall not exceed 24 inches in depth. d Freestanding signs, including cabinets and faces, shall be consistent and compatible with the design of the building, structures, and other features of the development. ---PAGE BREAK--- e Cabinet signs are prohibited in the MU-D and residential zoning districts. f Creative freestanding sign designs are encouraged. I Freestanding Post Signs 1. Freestanding post signs are allowed provided such signs are: a. Supported by posts on each end of the sign; with proper pole covers. b. Designed to be compatible with the design of buildings within the development; c. Constructed of durable wood or metal materials; and d. Externally illuminated using ground mounted lights, if illumination is proposed. 2. Freestanding post signs supported by a single pole or post or that include cabinet signs, are prohibited. J. Transit-Stop Signs 1. Signs on transit-stop shelters and benches are permitted on street rights-of-way and adjacent private property when there is not adequate space for a shelter or bench in the right-of-way. 2. Signs on transit-stop shelters are limited to three sign faces per shelter not to exceed 24 square feet per sign face. Sign faces shall not extend above the roof eaves of a shelter or beyond the outside dimensions of the shelter. Sign faces shall be mounted flush to the shelter and shall face a public street right-of-way. 3. Signs on transit-stop benches are limited to one sign face per bench not to exceed 12 square feet per sign face. Sign faces shall not extend more than two feet above the bench seat and shall not extend beyond the width of the bench 4. Lighting of signs on transit-stop shelters is allowed. Lighting of signs on transit-stop benches is not allowed. Sign lighting on transit-stop shelters shall be constant, and shall not flash, blink, or change color. 5. Electronic message signs are prohibited on transit-stop shelters and benches. K. Drive-Through Facility Signs Uses with a drive-through facility may have additional freestanding signage as indicated in. Such additional drive-through facility signs: 1. Shall be limited to one face. 2. Shall be of a consistent design and shall use similar colors and materials as other freestanding signs on the property. L. Electronic Message Signs Electronic message signs are allowed pursuant to the following: 1. Shall only be allowed as part of a freestanding monument sign and only in commercial and industrial zoning districts; 2. The electronic message portion shall not exceed 50 75 percent of the allowed monument sign area; 3. Only static electronic messages are allowed; and 4. Each electronic message shall remain on the screen for a minimum of 15 5 seconds. Messages will change only through a fade or dissolve transition and the transition shall not exceed 0.3 seconds 5. Electronic signs are required to have automatic dimming capabilities between timing of the sign. ---PAGE BREAK--- M. Historical Signs Signs that are individually or as part of a building designated by the city as a historic landmark are allowed to be retained provided that: 1. The sign is kept in good repair; 2. The sign does not constitute a hazard to public safety; and 3. The original design of the sign does not change 15ives A. Sign Permits 1. Signs Requiring a Permit All permanent and temporary signs not exempt from a permit pursuant to this ordinance shall not be erected, displayed, altered, relocated, or replaced until the city has issued a sign permit. The applicant and sign owner are responsible for demonstrating compliance with the sign standards. 2. Expiration of a Sign Permit If a sign authorized by any permit has not been erected within 180 days from the date of the permit approval and an extension has not been granted, the sign permit shall be deemed expired. B. Sign Design Incentives 1. Purpose The purpose of these sign design incentives is to encourage an applicant to develop creative signs for a property or development. 2. Applicability These sign design incentives are available in all mixed use and non-residential districts. 3. Eligible 3. Sign Design Incentives The following sign designs are eligible for an increase in sign area beyond what is allowed, or flexible sign placement of wall signs on multi-story building: a. Wall, projecting, or freestanding cabinet sign with routed metal face and opaque background – 20 percent increase in sign area. b. Wall, projecting, canopy or freestanding signs using individual pan channel lettering – 30 percent increase in sign area and placement of one sign per sign wall above first story. c. Wall, projecting, canopy or freestanding signs using reverse pan channel lettering with halo illumination – a 50 percent increase in sign area and placement of one sign per sign wall above first story. d. Wall, projecting, canopy or freestanding signs with external illumination using gooseneck or similar fixtures (not including cabinet signs) – a 50 percent increase in sign area. 4. Review Criteria Signs eligible for design incentives shall comply with the following criteria: a. The design represents a creative design in which sign colors, materials, design, size, height, placement, illumination, and number of signs are appropriate and compatible with the buildings, structures, and other features on the site. ---PAGE BREAK--- b. Nonconforming signs and sign support structures on the building and property shall be removed. A. Legal Nonconforming Signs A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be removed or shall comply with the current sign standards when any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. Whenever the property's use is discontinued or changed; 2. Whenever a site plan is submitted for changes to the site improvements such as additional parking area, reconfigured landscaping, or building additions; 3. Whenever 50 percent or more of the total area of the sign has changed. Periodic changes to changeable copy and electronic message signs are exempt; 4. Whenever the sign is damaged more than 50 percent of its total replacement value or sign area, or the sign is destroyed or becomes obsolete or substandard under any applicable ordinance of the municipality or to the extent that the sign becomes a hazard or a danger; 5. Whenever there is a request for a building permit to make improvements to the facade of the building on which the nonconforming sign is located; or 6. Whenever public improvements are made or are planned to imminently be made in the right-of- way or city property and such improvement is or will be affected by the location of the sign. B. Modifications to Existing Structural Support(s) of Nonconforming Signs Modifications to existing structural supports of nonconforming signs that require a permit are not allowed, except to bring the signs into conformance with the current sign standards. C. Sign Plans Approved Under Prior Code 1. Continuation of Nonconforming Signs Signs approved under prior codes, including master sign plans, but not complying with current sign standards, are nonconforming. Existing signs may continue under the provisions regarding maintenance and enforcement. 2. Exception Signs approved as part of a master sign plan which has not lapsed under prior codes but not yet installed may be installed up to only one year from the adoption of this development code. Installaent A. Conformance to Building Code Required All signs and sign structures shall conform to building codes. B. Inspections and Engineering Design 1. All signs shall be subject to inspection by the appropriate agents of the city for the purpose of determining compliance with this sign code. 2. Footing and foundation inspections are required for all permanent freestanding signs. Any permanent freestanding sign over six feet in height requires engineered plans stamped by an Idaho licensed structural engineer. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3. Any sign that projects over a pedestrian area or any public right-of-way requires engineered plans stamped by an Idaho licensed structural engineer. C. Signs with Electrical Wiring—Conformance to Electrical Code All signs containing electrical wiring are subject to the provisions of the electrical code, as adopted by the city. D. Maintenance Required All signs shall be maintained and shall be kept in good repair. E. Signs Believed Unsafe—Authority to Require Certification of Safety When, in the opinion of the planning and zoning administrator, reasonable cause exists that a proposed or existing sign structure is unsafe, the applicant shall furnish a certificate from a registered structural engineer certifying its safety. F. Abandoned or Inoperable Signs and Sign Support Structures Unused or abandoned signs and sign support structures shall be removed within 90 days following the termination of the reason for the sign, except for historic signs on historic landmark properties.0 1. It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or employee or agent, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this chapter. 2. Signs placed in the right-of-way contrary to this chapter are a violation of this development code and the city may remove such illegal signs without notice. 3. Any person, firm, or corporation violating or permitting a violation of this chapter commits a separate offense for each day or part of a day the violation exists. 15.06.110 Downtown Sign Design Standards and Procedures