Repair or Restoration of Signs

(1) A permittee shall repair or restore to a safe condition any part of a conforming sign when the sign is damaged. (2) In the event that any non-conforming and/or Grandfathered sign is damaged or deemed structurally unsafe by the Department or any municipal inspectional service department the subject sign shall be removed at the permit holder's expense. (3) In the event the owner or permittee fails to restore or remove the sign, as set forth in 700 CMR 3.15(2) and (3), the sign shall be deemed abandoned and subject to removal pursuant to 700 CMR 3.03(2)(g). If any sign is left abandoned or in dilapidated condition for a period of more than three months, the subject sign shall be removed by the permit holder. (4) In the event that any Non-conforming and/or Grandfathered sign is, removed or taken down by the sign and/or property owner for any reason, left abandoned or in dilapidated condition for a period of more than three months the sign shall lose its Non-conforming and/or Grandfathered status. Any new structure will need a new permit and will be required to be in compliance with the requirements of 700 CMR 3.00. (5) 700 CMR 3.15 shall not apply to ordinary or customary maintenance. No repairs that will prolong the useful life of the sign are permitted for Non-Conforming and/or Grandfathered signs. (6) Notwithstanding 700 CMR 3.15(1) through (5), the Director may issue a permit for a Non-conforming and/or Grandfathered sign which has been destroyed by an act of nature such as a storm or fire.