§ 46-987. Construction and maintenance standards

(a)

Wind pressure and dead load requirements. All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot of area; and, shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required in the Building Code or other ordinance.

(b)

Protection of the public. The temporary occupancy of a sidewalk or street or other public property during construction, removal, repair, alteration or maintenance of a sign is permitted, provided that the space occupied is roped off, fenced off or otherwise isolated.

(c)

Maintenance standards.

(1)

The owner of any sign shall keep it in good maintenance and repair which includes restoring, repainting or replacement of a worn or damaged legally existing sign to its original condition; and, shall maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, weeds and grass. Restoration or painting which changes the name, size or location of a sign will require a new sign permit.

(2)

The sign owner shall be required to have all parts and supports of sign properly treated as directed by the building inspector to prevent rust and deterioration.

(3)

The sign owner and/or property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign.

(d)

Supporting members or braces. Supporting members or braces of all signs shall be constructed of galvanized iron, properly treated steel, copper, brass or other substantial material. All projecting signs, if placed at a right or other angle to the wall or roof of any building, shall be attached by such noncorrosive metal bolts, anchors, cable or other metal attachments as shall ensure permanent and safe construction and shall be maintained free from rust and other defects. Every means or device used for attaching any sign shall extend through the walls or roof of the building should the building inspector determine that the safe and permanent support of such sign so requires and shall be securely anchored by wall plates and nuts to the inside of the walls or to bearings on the underside of two or more roof or ceiling joists in accordance with instructions given by the building inspector. Small flat signs containing less than ten feet of area may be attached to a building by the use of lag bolts or other means to the satisfaction of the building inspector.

(e)

No signs. No signs or part of a sign, or sign anchors, braces or guide rods, shall be attached, fastened or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder or standpipe, and no such sign or any part of any such sign or any anchor, brace or guide rod shall be erected, put up or maintained so as to hinder or prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway or window, or so as to hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against such building by the fire department as necessity therefore may require.

(f)

Wiring. Overhead electrical wiring is prohibited except in the B-3 district.