How to apply for a sign permit

A. Promotional signs. 1. The applicant shall apply for a promotional sign permit by submitting a completed application form provided by the department at least two County business days before the sign is to be displayed. Forms may be available at the department, at locations authorized by the department, and via the County's website. Forms may be submitted to the department via facsimile. 2. The application form shall include the applicant's name and business name, the business address, tax map key number and phone number, the name and date of the special event, and the approximate location of the sign. 3. The applicant shall submit a non-refundable filing fee as established in the annual budget ordinance. Applicants may mail filing fees separately if submitting the form to the department via facsimile. Non-profit entities shall be exempt from having to submit the non-refundable filing fee. B. Other signs. 1. An owner of real property, an agent of the owner with written authorization from the owner, a licensed property manager, a lessee of real property with the written authorization of the owner or an agent of the lessee with written authorization from the owner and lessee may apply for a sign permit by submitting an application to the director. The director shall prescribe forms for this purpose. The application shall include the following information: a. The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant and, if the applicant is an agent, property manager, or lessee, the name, address, and telephone number of the owner and any intervening lessees of the real property on which the sign is to be erected. b. For applicants who are lessees, written consent executed by the owner of the real property on which the sign is to be erected, authorizing the applicant to apply for the sign permit and an authorized licensed sign contractor to erect the sign. c. An accurate written description of the dimensions of the sign, setbacks from the property lines and other buildings, method of construction and attachment to buildings and structures, illumination, materials, graphics, logos, lettering, and message of the sign. d. Plans of the sign, including a site plan, graphic representation of the sign design, and elevation of the sign on any buildings or structures. The site plan shall identify the type, size, sign area, and location of all other signs that are on buildings and business establishments on the lot. e. For multi-tenant buildings and lots, an approved comprehensive signage plan shall be submitted. If a plan has not been approved, sign permit applications shall be considered, provided that: 1. The proposed sign complies with all applicable County sign codes. 2. The property owner, authorized agent, or licensed property manager confirms in writing that the proposed sign conforms to a planned comprehensive signage plan to be filed. 3. A complete comprehensive signage plan application is filed within one hundred eighty days of the granting of a sign permit under this subparagraph, and that the sign permit be issued conditionally with this noted. f. Photographs of the lot and all signs located on the lot. g. A non-refundable filing fee as established in the annual budget ordinance. 2. The director shall review the application for completeness and inform the applicant within five working days of any additional information required to complete the application. 3. The director may transmit the application to the board for recommendation. The board shall make a recommendation to the director to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the application within sixty days after receiving the completed application or the application will be deemed approved. The board shall set forth in writing the specific facts upon which the board relies in making its recommendation. 4. The director may approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the application in accordance with this chapter. The director shall make this final determination within thirty days from the receipt of a completed application. This period may be extended for an additional time, not to exceed forty-five days, by mutual agreement of the applicant and the director. 5. Within two working days after the director makes the final determination, the director shall issue an appropriate sign permit, with or without conditions, to the applicant or transmit a notice to the applicant that the application has been denied. ( Ord. No. 4434, § 1, 2017 ; Ord. No. 3794, § 4, 2010; Ord. 3057 § 2 (part), 2002)