§ 58-7. Permit required.

Except where specifically not required by the standards of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, materially change, or erect a sign in the city without first having obtained a sign permit. A permit shall be secured from the department for the erection, replacement, reconstruction, alteration, or relocation of all signs within the city, unless the sign(s) qualify as temporary signs or unless the sign(s) are specifically exempt from the permit requirements of the city. This permit is to be issued prior to installation or modification of any sign. No permit shall be required for any change of copy on a sign provided no modification is made to the size or location of the sign.

(1)

Signs that require both a building permit and a sign permit:

a.

Signs that exceed 32 square feet in area;

b.

Signs that exceed six feet in height above grade;

c.

Signs on walls having a height exceeding four feet; or

d.

Signs that are internally illuminated.

(2)

Signs that require design by a Georgia-registered professional engineer:

a.

Signs with supporting structures that exceed 50 square feet in area; or

b.

Signs that exceed 12 feet in height above grade.

(3)

Signs requiring a review and approval of plans and specifications by the city engineer:

a.

Signs in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used.

b.

Electronic message board signs.

(4)

Documentation required for plan review and obtaining a building permit:

a.

Location map showing the parcel on which the sign is to be located. Adjacent streets, sidewalks, above ground utilities, underground utilities, buildings and parking areas. Recent photographs or the proposed location will be helpful and instructive;

b.

In order to obtain a building permit for an oversized sign, three complete sets of drawings must be submitted to the building plan review section of the community development department. The drawings shall clearly indicate the structural and electrical construction requirements for each proposed sign and at a minimum contain the information described in sections (e) and (f) below. The drawings shall also clearly indicate the proposed sign location;

c.

A building permit can be obtained after drawings containing the complete structural and electrical information stated below have been stamped by the community development department or its designated official;

(5)

Electrical drawing(s) plan review requirements:

a.

Drawings for each illuminated sign or any other sign in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall clearly indicate the electrical requirements including the size and location of the electrical disconnect, the type and size of wire, the conduit size and estimated load. Drawings shall also specify the name of a nationally recognized organization as applicable to the illuminated or electrical sign to be installed. Electrical installations shall meet the requirements of the NFPA National Electrical Code and must be performed by a state-licensed electrician.

(6)

Structural drawing(s) plan review requirements:

a.

Drawings for each sign structure shall clearly specify the required materials, sizes and locations for all structural components. Complete details shall be provided that clearly indicates the required connections between all structural components including anchorage to the foundation. Details shall also indicate required attachments of sign cabinets to the supporting structure;

b.

Sign foundation requirements shall be clearly indicated on the drawings including, but not limited to, footing size and reinforcement, 28-day compressive strength of concrete, anchor bolt size and embedment depth; and

c.

Drawings for signs that require design by a state-registered professional engineer shall contain the following minimum design data in addition to the information required in paragraphs (1) and (2) above:

1.

State on drawings that the design complies with the SBCCI Standard Building Code;

2.

State on drawings that the wind load design complies with ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures);

3.

Basic wind speed (MPH), design wind pressure (PSF), exposure category B; or

4.

Minimum required soil bearing capacity (PSF); and

5.

Structural material specifications (including but not limited to ASTM designation, yield strength (SKI), and material grade, if applicable).

(7)

Inspection requirements:

a.

Drawings for sign structures that have been stamped by the community development department building official shall be kept readily accessible at the job site at all times during construction. The building permit card shall be posted in the immediate vicinity of the proposed ground sign location;

b.

The electrical subcontractor must submit a completed subcontractor affidavit to the electrical inspector within the community development department at least two days prior to requesting an electrical inspection;

c.

Each sign, for which a building permit has been issued, requires inspection by the building inspector during the following stages of construction:

1.

A foundation inspection is performed after excavation and prior to concrete placement with steel reinforcement, anchor bolts, and structural posts in place;

2.

An electrical inspection is performed only after the foundation has been inspected and approved by the city inspector;

3.

A final inspection is performed after completion of all construction and a building final is issued; and

4.

Erosion and sediment control measures shall be maintained throughout construction in accordance with city ordinances and procedures.

(Ord. No. 13-2011, § 1(Att. § 7), 6-29-11)