A. The following are nonconforming signs:
1. Prohibited signs.
2. All other signs not prohibited that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
B. General provisions governing nonconforming signs:
1. Continuance: A nonconforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date hereof may be continued at the size and in the manner existing upon such date.
2. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance And Repair: Nothing in this code shall be construed as relieving the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign of which the legal nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs, provided however, that any repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or sign area in any way which makes it more nonconforming or the sign shall lose its legal nonconforming status.
3. Damaged Signs: If at any time a nonconforming sign shall be damaged or destroyed to the extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its fair market value, said value to be determined by the city, it may be reestablished to its prior size and form, but not expanded, if the property owner applies for a sign building permit within one hundred eighty (180) days of the damage event. If no sign building permit is applied for within the specified time period, then without further action by the council, the sign shall be subject to all the regulations specified by this code for the district in which such land and buildings are located. Any sign which is damaged to an extent of less than fifty percent (50%) of its fair market value may be restored to its former extent if it is reconstructed within twelve (12) months after the date of said damage. Estimate of the extent of damage or destruction shall be made by the building official. (Ord. 2016-03, 5-2-2016)