(a) It is the intent of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination, as expeditiously as is reasonable, of existing signs that are not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, is as much a subject of health, safety and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this chapter. It is also the intent of this section that any elimination of nonconforming signs shall be effected so as to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established private property rights.
(b) No nonconforming sign:
(1) Shall be changed to another nonconforming sign;
(2) Shall have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is designed for periodic change of message;
(3) Shall be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign or so as to change the shape, size, type or design of the sign;
(4) Shall have the face or faces changed when such sign is of a type of construction to permit such a complete change of face;
(5) Shall be reestablished after the activity, business or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for ninety days or longer; and
(6) Shall be reestablished after damage or destruction if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the appraised replacement cost as determined by the Director of Public Safety.
(Ord. 86-30. Passed 4-28-86.)