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15.24 - 1 CHAPTER 15.24 SIGN CODE SECTION: 15.24.010: Adoption of the 1997 Uniform Sign Code 15.24.020: Section 103 Amended - Enforcement 15.24.030: Section 301 Amended - Permit 15.24.040: Section 303 Amended - Exemptions 15.24.055: Section 305 Amended - Maintenance 15.24.065: Section 307 Added - Abandoned Signs 15.24.080: Subsection 403.2 Amended - Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines 15.24.010: Adoption of the 1997 Uniform Sign Code: The 1997 Uniform Sign Code is hereby adopted. (Ord. 3809 Sec. 1, 1998: Ord. 3664 Sec. 18, 1995: Ord. 3408 Sec. 6, 1992: Ord. 3210 Sec. 7, 1989: Ord. 3002 Sec. 5, 1986: Ord. 2764 Sec. 16, 1983: Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980) 15.24.020: Section 103 Amended - Enforcement: Section 103. Authority. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this Code. Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this Code, or whenever the Building Official or his authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists any sign or any condition which makes such sign unsafe, the Building Official or his authorized representative may enter the premises or building on which such sign is located at all reasonable times to inspect the sign or to perform any duty imposed upon the Building Official by this Code; provided that if such building or premises on which the sign is located be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and demand entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and demand entry. If such entry is refused, the Building Official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry. No owner or occupant or any other person having charge or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper demand is made as herein provided, to permit entry therein by the Building Official or his authorized representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this Code. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Violation and Penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, improve, convert, or equip any sign or structure in the City, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of the provisions of this Code. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $300.00, or by imprisonment of not ---PAGE BREAK--- 15.24 - 2 more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 2764 Sec. 17, 1983: Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980) 15.24.030: Section 301 Amended - Permit: Section 301. No sign shall hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, or altered except as provided by this Code and a permit for the same has been issued by the Building Official. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity and a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electric signs. No portable sign shall be located on any property until such time as a Building Permit has been issued. No Building Permit will be issued until there is compliance with other Codes and Ordinances of the City of Kennewick, and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries have approved the method of electrical power for said portable sign. (Ord. 3274 Sec. 11, 1990: Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980: Ord. 2451 Sec. 3, 1980) 15.24.040: Section 303 Amended - Exemptions: Section 303. The following signs shall not require a sign permit. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this Code or any other law or ordinance regulating the same. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign only. Except for theater marquees similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included in this exemption. Painting, re-painting, cleaning or normal maintenance of an advertising structure or the changing of the advertisement copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made. (Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980: Ord. 2451 Sec. 4, 1980) 15.24.055: Section 305 Amended - Maintenance: Section 305. Every sign shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly posted at all times. The Director, or his designated representative, shall inspect and have the authority to order the owner to paint, repair, alter or remove the signs which have become dilapidated or which constitute a physical hazard to the public safety. (Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980: Ord. 2451 Sec. 5 (part), 1980) 15.24.065: Section 307 Added - Abandoned Signs: Section 307. Any sign located on property which becomes vacant or unoccupied or which is related to a use which has been terminated shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed or otherwise be made conforming within 30 days of abandonment. (Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980: Ord. 2451 Sec. 5 (part), 1980) 15.24.080: Subsection 403.2 Amended - Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines: 403.2. Clearance from high voltage power lines. Clearances shall be in accordance with the codes of the State of Washington. (Ord. 3809 Sec. 2, 1998: Ord. 2490 Sec. 6 (part), 1980: Ord. 2083 Sec. 5 (part) 1977)