A. Enforcing Authority. The city of Monroe is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this title in accordance with Chapter 1.04 MMC and to make necessary interpretations subject to appeal under Chapter 22.84 MMC, Permit Processing.

B. Removal of Dangerous Signs. If the city of Monroe finds that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public safety, the sign may be summarily removed in accordance with MMC 1.04.060.

C. Removal of Illegal Signs. If the city of Monroe finds that any sign has been constructed, erected, relocated or altered in violation of the provisions of this title, the city of Monroe is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this title in accordance with Chapter 1.04 MMC.

D. Any sign removed pursuant to this section may be returned to the owner if retrieved within ten days of removal or earlier upon the owner securing a permit. Any sign which is not retrieved by the owner within ten days may be destroyed.

E. Right of Entry. When it is necessary to make an inspection of a sign or business to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or when the city has reasonable cause to believe that an illegally located sign exists or a condition exists which makes a sign unsafe, the city may enter the premises or building where the sign is located at all reasonable times to perform any duty imposed by this chapter, to the extent permissible by law. If the building or premises where the sign is located is occupied, the city shall first present proper credentials and request entry, and if such building or premises be unoccupied, the city shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the city shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry, including procurement of a search warrant. No owner or occupant or any other person having charge or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made and a warrant is provided, to properly permit entry therein by the city for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this chapter. Any person violating this subsection shall be subject to a penalty or fine established by city council.

F. Confiscation of Signs in Right-of-Way. Unauthorized signs or other advertising devices either in, or fully or partially supported on, or projecting over the public right-of-way are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and in violation of this sign code. The city may remove such signs at any time as a means of abating the nuisance. All signs confiscated by the city shall be held for ten working days, after which such signs may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The owner of a confiscated sign may recover the sign when it is still in the possession of the city of Monroe upon payment of the recovering fee found in the city of Monroe fees resolution to cover the cost of confiscation and storage.

G. Violation and Penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, hang, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, equip, use or maintain any sign or sign structure in the city, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of the provisions of this title. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this title shall be subject to a penalty or fine established by city council, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this title is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a penalty or fine established by city council.

H. Nonliability. This title shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility or liability of any party owning, operating, constructing, installing, altering, removing, moving, or controlling any sign in the city. For damages to person or property injured or damaged either in person or property caused by any defect therein, the city or any agent thereof shall not be held as assuming any liability by reason of permit or of the inspection authorized hereunder or certificate of inspection issued by the city or any of its agents.

I. Conflicting Provisions. If any provision of this title is found to be in conflict with any provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the city, the provision that establishes the higher standard shall prevail.

J. Severability. If any provision of this title or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected, and to this end the provisions of this title are declared to be severable. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))