A. Requirement of permit. A sign permit shall be required before the erection, re-erection, construction, alteration, placing, or installation of all signs regulated by this chapter. However, a permit shall not be required for the following signs and actions; provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to any and all applicable provisions of this chapter.

(1) Exempt signs as specified in § 400-111B.
(2) Routine maintenance or changing of the parts or copy of a sign, provided that the maintenance or change of parts or copy does not alter the surface area, height, or otherwise render the sign nonconforming.
 

B. Permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer and shall, at a minimum, contain or have attached thereto the information listed in this section. The applicant shall pay the required application fee at the time when the sign application is filed. Two copies of plans and specifications shall be submitted with each application. One copy shall be returned to the applicant at the time the permit is granted. The plans shall include complete details about the size of the sign, the method of attachment or support, locations and materials to be used, and the name, address and profession of the person designing the plans and specifications. If the Zoning Officer determines that the sign will be subject to excessive stresses, additional data shall be required, showing that supporting surfaces and other members of an existing building to which the sign is to be attached are in good condition and are adequately strong to support the load, including the proposed sign. See § 400-110B(1) for a detailed list of application requirements.
 

C. Issuance of permits. Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the Zoning Officer shall examine the plans, specifications, and other submitted data, and the premises upon which the sign is proposed to be erected or affixed. If it appears that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and other applicable ordinances and if the appropriate permit fee has been paid, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit for the proposed sign.
 

D. Expiration. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within 90 days after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void, unless otherwise extended by the Zoning Officer for a single additional ninety-day period.

E. Validity; renewal. Permits issued for permanent signs shall be valid for a period of one year. If the sign is maintained in compliance with this chapter the permit shall be automatically renewed for subsequent one-year terms. If the sign is not maintained in compliance, upon Zoning Officer notification to the permittee in accord with § 400-118C of the specifics of the noncompliance, the permit shall immediately lapse.

F. Permit fees. Each sign required by this chapter requiring a sign permit shall pay a fee as established pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Township.