§ 10.9. Administration

A.

Application for Permit.

1.

Where to apply. Applications for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Office.

2.

Temporary Sign Permit. Applications for a Temporary Sign shall be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event for which it is meant. Charitable events within Greene County organized by and for the direct benefit of, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation shall be exempt from permit fees.

3.

Information Required. The following information shall be submitted with an application for a sign permit:

a.

Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner or duly authorized lessee of the premises granting permission for the construction, operation, maintenance, or displaying of sign or sign structure.

b.

Name, address and telephone number of Greene County contractor, if any, including such contractor's Greene County business license number.

c.

Legal description and/or street address of premises or property upon which the sign is to be located.

d.

The approximate value of the sign to be installed, including the installation cost.

e.

Type of sign for which a permit is being sought.

f.

Two (2) copies of a sketch, blueprint, blue line print or similar presentation drawn to scale and dimensioned, showing elevations of the sign as proposed on a building facade, awning or canopy; provided, further, the relationship to other existing adjacent signs shall also be shown. In the case of a free-standing sign' said sketch shall include a site plan showing the sign location and any existing or proposed landscaping which is affected by such sign.

g.

If requested by the Building Inspector, copy of stress sheets and calculations indicating that the sign is properly designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction.

h.

If applicable, the appropriate Greene County development permit number.

I.

Such other information as the Building Inspector may require which is necessary to verify full compliance with all applicable provisions contained in the Code of Greene County, Georgia.

B.

Free-Standing Signs: Location Identification. The proposed location for a new free-standing sign shall be clearly identified by a white stake(s) visible above the ground line at each location at which a support pole will be embedded in the ground. This location will be reviewed by the Building Inspector prior to the issuance of the sign permit.

C.

Fees.

1.

Regular Fees. In order to defray some of the administrative costs associated with processing permit applications and inspections of signs, at the time of submission of an application for a sign permit, a non-refundable fee shall be paid. Temporary Special Event Signs for charitable events within Greene County organized by and for the direct benefit of, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation shall be exempt from permit fees. When application for a permit is approved, and before a permit is issued, a permit fee shall be paid based on the fee schedule maintained by the Zoning Administrator.

2.

Re-inspection Fee. When re-inspection is required, a re-inspection fee shall be charged.

3.

Penalty Fee. A double fee will be charged for sign(s) posted without prior permit.

D.

Contents of Permit. Upon compliance with the provisions of this Article, the Building Inspector shall make a decision to issue, deny or issue with conditions a permit for such sign or sign structure within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a complete permit application. Permits shall be numbered and shall contain the following information:

1.

The type of sign as defined in this Article;

2.

The street address of the property upon which said sign is proposed to be located and the proposed location of the sign on said property; in the absence of a street address, an acceptable method of location shall be used;

3.

The amount of the fee paid for such permit;

4.

The date of issuance; and

5.

In the case of a temporary sign, the date of expiration of the permit.

E.

Expiration of Permit. A sign permit shall expire ninety (90) days from the date of its issuance as noted on the permit unless construction of the sign is completed prior to the expiration date. A thirty (30) day extension of the expiration date may be granted for good cause by the Building Inspector.

F.

Sign Inspection.

1.

Within ten (10) working days of completion of approved work related to a permitted sign, the permittee or sign contractor shall notify the Building Inspector that such sign is ready for a final inspection. The Building Inspector conducts the final inspection for the purpose of verifying that the sign is in compliance with the requirements of the permit and all other provisions of this Article.

2.

Failure to notify the Building Inspector within ten (10) working days of work completion that the sign is ready for inspection shall render the permit invalid and the applicant shall be required to reapply for a permit or remove the sign or sign structure.

3.

Failure to obtain a satisfactory inspection result shall render the permit invalid and the applicant shall be required to modify the sign to be in compliance with this Article, or remove the sign or sign structure.

G.

Display of Permit for Temporary Signs.

1.

Display of Permit Tag. Following completion of a satisfactory final inspection of a temporary sign, the Building Inspector shall issue and affix a permit tag to the sign.

2.

Relocation of permit Tag or Sign. Under no circumstances may the permit tag be moved from one sign to another, nor may the sign to which it is attached be relocated to another location.

3.

Transfer of Ownership: Dismantling or Removal of Sign. In the case of ownership transfer, provided no changes are made to the sign, or, if a permitted sign is dismantled or removed, the Administrator shall be notified.

4.

Lost or Illegible Permit Tag. If a permit tag is lost, defaced, destroyed or otherwise becomes illegible through normal wear or an act of vandalism, a renewal application shall be submitted to the Building Inspector.

H.

Procedure for when Notification is required. For signs that do not require permits, but require prior notification, the sign owner shall provide proper notification by submitting written correspondence via email, fax, or mail to the Greene County Building Official.