A. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of every owner of real property and their tenant or other person in possession of such property with the consent of the owner to maintain every sign on such property in strict compliance with this code.

B. Maintenance. Every sign shall be constantly maintained in good structural condition and in a state of security, safety, and good repair at all times including all supports, braces, guys, and anchors. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly posted at all times. If a sign is not so maintained, it must be removed or repaired within thirty days of notification by the city of Monroe. The owner, his agents, or assigns are responsible for such maintenance and compliance with this section.

C. Maintenance Repair or Removal – Permanent Signs. The city of Monroe shall inspect and have the authority to order the owner to paint, repair, alter or remove permanent signs which have become dilapidated. The city may order the removal of any sign on private property that is not maintained in an orderly condition. In such a case, the city may issue a notice and order of code violation in accordance with Chapter 1.04 MMC. The city may abate conditions which were caused by or continue to be a code violation using lawful means, and recover the costs of abatement as further provided in Chapter 1.04 MMC. The order for maintenance or removal of any sign shall be sent by the city to the owner of the sign or property owner. The notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the action requested in the order is not taken within the specified time period, the city may direct the sign to be removed from the premises. The owner of the sign or the property shall be charged an amount equal to the city’s cost for removal of the sign.

D. Maintenance Repair or Removal – Temporary Signs. The city of Monroe shall inspect and have the authority to remove or order the owner to paint, repair, alter or remove temporary signs which are not compliant with this chapter in compliance with MMC 22.50.170.

E. Abandoned and Obsolete Signs. Signs for which the use no longer exists, such as the vacation of a business or business site or a property that no longer remains commercially viable, shall be removed or the sign face covered within ten days following termination of the use or site. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))