Removal of signs by building inspector.
Gulfport Code of Ordinances § 9-112
in effectSec. 9-112. - Removal of signs by building inspector.
(a) The building inspector shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety such as an abandoned, dangerous, or materially, electrically or structurally defective sign or a sign for which no permit has been issued. The building inspector shall prepare a notice which shall describe the sign and specify the violation involved and which shall state that if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(b) All notices mailed by the building inspector shall be sent by certified mail to the address listed on the permit application or last known address of the sign owner. Any time periods provided in this section shall be deemed to commence on the date of the receipt or the return of the unclaimed certified mail.
(c) For all other signs, the notice shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located as shown on the last equalized assessment roll. If known, or with reasonable care should be known, the notice shall be mailed to or delivered to the owner of the sign and the occupant of the property. Any person having an interest in the sign or the property may appeal the determination of the building inspector ordering removal or compliance by filing a written notice of appeal with the city zoning board of adjustment within fifteen (15) days after the date of receipt of notice.
(d) In cases of emergency, the building inspector may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous sign without notice. Any sign removed by the building inspector shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the city. The cost of removal of the sign by the city shall be considered a debt owed to the city by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property, and may be recovered in any appropriate court action by the city or by assessment against the property. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expense incurred by the city in connection with sign removal.
(e) Any removal of a conforming or legal nonconforming off-premises outdoor advertising sign pursuant to this section will allow the owner to replace said sign pursuant to the provisions of 9-122.
(Ord. No. 1764, § 8.6, 3-17-87; Ord. No. 2518, § 8, 2-8-07; Ord. No. 2686, § 12, 7-6-10)
Source: City of Gulfport, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/gulfport/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH9PLDE_ARTIVSI_S9-112RESIBUINFetched: 11/1/2026