A. 
The Administrator is authorized to process applications for permits and variances, hold public hearings as required, and enforce and carry out all provisions of this chapter, both in letter and in spirit. The Administrator is authorized to promulgate regulations and procedures consistent with this function.
B. 
The Administrator is empowered, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure, or premises in the City for the purpose of inspection of a sign and its structural and electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency exists.
A Sign Review Committee shall be established consisting of one Council representative or an appointee, one Planning Commission member, one Zoning Board of Appeals member, one appointee from the Business Improvement District, and one mayoral appointment. This Committee shall be advisory and meet only when a sign applicant or the Administrator so requests. Its function is to assist the applicant in understanding all aspects of this chapter that are pertinent to the permit being requested. The Committee shall meet within five working days after the request is received.
Application for a permit for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign shall be made to the Administrator upon a form provided by the Administrator and shall include the following information:
A. 
Name, address and phone number of the owner of the sign.
B. 
Street address or location of the property on which the sign is to be located, along with the name and address of the property owner.
C. 
Name, address, phone number and proof of insurance carried by the installer.
D. 
The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this chapter.
E. 
A site plan showing the proposed location of the sign along with the locations and square footage areas of all existing signs on the same premises.
F. 
Specifications and scale drawings showing the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, and electrical components for the proposed sign.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 1-2000; 3-19-2002 by Ord. No. 1-2002[1]]
All applications for permits filed with the Administrator shall be accompanied by payment of a permit fee according to the fee schedule established by the Common Council.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
The Administrator shall issue a permit for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign within 10 days of receipt of a valid application, provided that the sign complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the City. In all applications, where a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail.
B. 
When a permit is denied by the Administrator, he shall give a written notice to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for denial. The Administrator may suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application.
A. 
If no inspections have been made and no work authorized by the permit has been performed, the permit fee, except for $10, may be refunded to the applicant upon request, provided that the permit is returned to the Administrator within 90 days of issuance.
B. 
A permit issued by the Administrator becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 91 days of issuance. The permit may be renewed with an additional payment of 1/2 of the original fee.
C. 
If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However, payment of the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirements or penalties prescribed in this chapter.
A. 
Any person installing, altering, or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued shall notify the Administrator upon completion of the work. The Administrator may require a final inspection, including an electrical inspection and inspection of footings where applicable.
B. 
The Administrator may require, in writing upon issuance of a permit, that he be notified for inspection prior to the installation of certain signs.
A. 
In obtaining a permit, the applicant may apply to the Administrator for a variance from certain requirements of this chapter. A variance may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals where the literal application of this chapter would create a practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship.
B. 
In granting a variance, the Zoning Board of Appeals may attach additional requirements necessary to conform to the legislative intent of this chapter. The procedure for the application for public hearing for a variance shall be defined in Chapter 575, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Norwich, as it may be amended.
The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the power, upon appeal from a decision by an administrative official, to decide any question involving the interpretation of any provision of this chapter, including determination of type of signage allowed in each district.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
When, in the opinion of the Administrator, a violation of this chapter exists, the Administrator shall issue a written order to the alleged violator. The order shall specify those sections of this chapter of which the individual may be in violation and shall state that the individual has 14 days from the date of the order in which to correct the alleged violations or to appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
B. 
If, upon inspection, the Administrator finds that a sign is abandoned or structurally, materially or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the public, the Administrator shall issue a written order to the owner of the sign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and requiring them to repair or remove the sign within 14 days of the date of the order.
C. 
In case of emergency, the Administrator may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.
A. 
The Administrator may cause the removal of an illegal sign in cases of emergency, or for failure to comply with the written orders of removal or repair. After removal or demolition of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign owner stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the Administrator, together with an additional 10% for inspection and incidental costs.
B. 
If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within 60 days of the notice, it shall become a lien against the property together with a ten-percent penalty for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the Administrator, as in the case of a leased sign.
D. 
For the purpose of removal, the definition of "sign" shall include all sign embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sign.
Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter may be subject to a fine of not more than $250 or imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both, for each week or portion thereof that the violation continues.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
Any failure to respond to an application within 10 days of receipt or any decision rendered by the Administrator in denying a permit or variance or in alleging a violation of this chapter may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days of the Administrator's receipt of application.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
The action being appealed shall be held in abeyance pending the decision of the Council or Board.