Description: A sign permit is administrative in nature and is intended to ensure that signs are in compliance with this chapter and any precedent approvals. A sign permit must be submitted before a new sign is installed or an existing sign is modified in any manner, including a change in location, change in height, expansion of size, addition of lighting, or a change in lighting. A zoning permit is not required when copy on the face of a sign is changed.

Initiation: The owner of the subject property may submit an application for a sign permit.

Decision-maker(s): Zoning administrator

Application fee: $15.00, plus $2.00 per square foot

Submittal deadline: None - applications can be submitted anytime

Basis of decision: In determining whether to issue a sign permit or deny the permit, the zoning administrator shall determine whether the proposed signage is consistent with this chapter and other provisions of the municipal code.

Procedure:

1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant shall submit a completed application and other required materials to the zoning administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Common Council.
2. Staff review. Within 10 days of submittal, the zoning administrator shall either determine that the application is incomplete and notify the applicant, in writing, of any deficiencies or make a decision based on the decision criteria contained in this division to (1) approve the sign permit, (2) approve the sign permit with conditions, or (3) deny the sign permit. The zoning administrator shall take no further steps to process the application until the deficiencies are remedied. The incomplete application shall be retained as a public record.
3. Applicant notification. Within a reasonable time following his or her decision to approve or deny the application, the zoning administrator shall mail the decision notice to the applicant by regular mail.
4. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision notice shall be retained as a public record.

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