(A) Signs for a legal nonconforming use. New or additional signs for a nonconforming use shall comply with the requirements of the outdoor sign regulations.
(B) Signs rendered nonconforming. Existing legal signs rendered nonconforming as a result of this Chapter shall be considered legal nonconforming and allowed to continue and shall be allowed reasonable repairs and maintenance. Such legal nonconforming signs shall not be expanded, enlarged or structurally altered unless brought into conformance with the outdoor sign regulations.
(C) Signs rendered discontinued. The use of any legal nonconforming sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of 6 months shall be deemed to have been discontinued, and therefore shall be removed by the owner of the property or sign.
(D) Repair and maintenance. Any legal nonconforming sign may be continued in use and be allowed reasonable repair and maintenance. All signs, sign finishes, supports and electrical work shall be kept in good repair and safe condition, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of the sign.
(E) Change of tenancy. Whenever the name of a business changes, the copy on the sign or sign face may be changed without bringing the legal nonconforming sign structure into compliance with the outdoor sign regulations.
(F) Damage or deterioration. Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt in full conformity to the terms of the outdoor sign regulations if it is damaged or allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that the cost of repair or restoration exceeds 50% of the sign value, as determined by a competent Arizona licensed appraiser.
(G) Removal and replacement. Legal nonconforming signs that are removed, re-erected or replaced shall be brought into conformance with the outdoor sign regulations.
(H) New sign permit applications. If a property contains legal nonconforming signs, the following requirements apply to any new sign permits/applications:
(1) Permits for new wall signs shall not be approved until existing legal nonconforming wall signs are removed or replaced with conforming wall signs.
(2) Permits for new detached signs shall not be approved until existing legal nonconforming detached signs are removed or replaced with conforming detached signs.
(I) Development, redevelopment and expansion. New development, redevelopment or expansions of 50% or more of the total building floor area shall require that all nonconforming signs be brought into compliance with the outdoor sign regulations.
(Ord. 1402, passed 5-6-2014)