§ 23-609. Unsafe or illegal signs.

(a)

Except as to illegal signs in the public right-of-way whenever the Director of Public Works and Transportation, or a designated representative determines that a sign or object is unsafe or illegal, the Director or designated representative shall (in writing) order that the sign or object be made safe or removed. The order shall be complied with by the person owning or using the sign or object or, in the case of a gateway sign, the Homeowners' Association or other entity responsible for maintenance within fifteen (15) days after the mailing of the order by the Director. In the event of an emergency situation (when there is an immediate danger to public safety), the unsafe sign shall be made safe or removed without any delay or written order.

(b)

If the unsafe or illegal sign or object is not removed or maintained in accordance with the order, the Director or designated representative may have the sign or object removed. The cost of removal shall be borne by the owner, user, Homeowners' Association, or entity responsible for the sign or object. For purposes of this Division, all illegal signs or objects in the County right-of-way shall be deemed an immediate danger to public safety and may be removed by the Department without any delay or written order. Costs of removal by the Department shall be borne by the person or entity responsible for the sign or object with a minimum cost of $50.00 per sign or object removed. Unless rebutted by clear and convincing evidence, any such sign or object shall be presumed to be owned by and attached by the person whose business name, business address, business telephone number, website, email address, trademark or servicemark is contained on the face of the sign or object.

(c)

The penalties prescribed in Section 27-265 may be invoked if the sign is not removed or maintained in accordance with the order.

(d)

The maintenance of an entrance feature, including gateway signs and associated landscaping, shall be the responsibility of a Homeowner's Association or any other entity or person designated in a maintenance arrangement approved by the Department of Public Works and Transportation. Any entrance which has not been maintained in a safe and attractive manner may, for the purpose of this Section, be deemed by the Department of Public Works and Transportation to be an unsafe sign or object.

(e)

It shall be unlawful for any person to attach any sign or object to any public utility pole or to the exterior of any other public structure. Unless rebutted by competent evidence, any such sign or object shall be presumed to be owned by and attached by the person whose business name, business address, business telephone, website, email address, trademark is contained on the face of the sign or object.

(CB-24-2009)