(A) Non-conforming signs: compliance. It is recognized that signs exist within the zoning districts which were lawful before this subchapter was enacted, which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments. It is the intent of this subchapter that non-conforming signs shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.
(B) It is further the intent of this subchapter to permit legal non-conforming signs existing on the effective date of this subchapter, or amendments thereto, to continue as legal non-conforming signs provided such signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:
(1) No sign shall be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its non-conformity.
(2) Should such sign or sign structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its replacement cost and no building permit has been applied for within 60 days of when the property was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this subchapter.
(3) Should such sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located after it is moved.
(4) No existing sign devoted to a use not permitted by the zoning code in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the zoning district in which is it located.
(5) When a structure loses its non-conforming status all signs devoted to the structure shall be removed and all signs painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color or a color which will harmonize with the structure.
(Ord. 65, 1st Ser., passed 10-18-2013)