Fowler Municipal Code Ch. 9.75 Sign Permit

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a review process for signs to ensure consistency with the requirements of this Title.

The requirements set forth in this Chapter shall apply to all signs erected, relocated, or maintained within the City. No sign shall be erected, repaired, or relocated except as provided in this Chapter.

A. Application Filing and Processing. Applications for a Sign Permit shall be filed and processed in accordance with the applicable procedures contained in Chapter 9.30 (Common Application Processing Procedures).

B. Application Fees. Application fees shall be collected in accordance with Section 9.30.020 (Applications and Fees).

Applications for a Sign Permit shall be reviewed and approved by the Director. As the designated approving authority, the Director is authorized to approve, conditionally approve, or deny an application for a Sign Permit. When an application proposes two (2) or more signs, the application may be granted either in whole or in part, with separate decisions as to each proposed sign.

No public hearing is required prior to acting on an application for a Sign Permit.

In approving an application for a Sign Permit, the approving authority may impose reasonable and appropriate standards to achieve the purposes of this Title, ensure consistency with the goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and justify making the necessary findings.

Prior to approving an application for a Sign Permit, the Director shall make the following findings:

A. The sign is consistent with the adopted General Plan and any applicable Specific Plans.

B. The sign meets all applicable standards for development, pursuant to Chapter 9.185 (Sign Regulations) and other provisions of this Title.

Written notice of decision shall be provided within three (3) business days of the date of decision to the applicant and interested parties who have requested notices in writing. The notice shall include:

A. The application request as acted upon by the Director.

B. The action taken by the Director.

C. Findings as listed for the permit.

D. The deadlines, criteria, and fees for filing an appeal.

Sign Permits shall become effective on the date of approval unless a timely appeal has been filed. Upon filing of a timely appeal, the effective date shall be suspended until such time that final action is taken on the appeal.

Sign Permits are subject to appeal. Appeals shall be processed in accordance with Section 9.30.090 (Appeals of Discretionary Actions).

Sign Permits shall expire two (2) years from the date the approval was granted, unless the permit has been exercised in accordance with Section 9.30.100, Subsection (B) (Permit Time Limits, Expiration, and Extensions).

The expiration date of a Sign Permit may be extended up to three (3) years in accordance with Section 9.30.100, Subsection (C) (Permit Time Limits, Expiration, and Extensions).

Any amendments affecting an approved Sign Permit shall be handled as a new application.