A sign, which on the effective date of this chapter, does not conform with these regulations or subsequent amendments, shall be deemed a nonconforming sign.
Any permanent graphic, sign, canopy or awning other than a temporary sign, which was erected and in place on the effective date of this chapter, and which remains or becomes a nonconformity upon the adoption of this chapter or any subsequent amendments hereto, may continue only in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) Repairs. Ordinary repairs and nonstructural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming sign, except those required by law to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(b) Additions and Enlargements. A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(c) Moving. No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign, and the use thereof, is made to conform to all the regulations of this chapter.
(d) Restoration of Damaged Nonconforming Signs. A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other cause to the extent that the cost of restoration will exceed sixty percent of the replacement cost of the sign shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to all the regulations of this chapter, or any subsequent amendments thereto. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than sixty percent of the replacement cost of the sign, no repairs or construction shall be made unless such restoration is started within six months from the date of damage and is diligently pursued to completion.
(e) Discontinuance of Use of Nonconforming Signs. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of one year, as set forth in Chapter 1286, shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(f) Change Use of Nonconforming Signs. Where a business, use or identity associated with the nonconforming sign at the time of the adoption of this chapter, thereafter terminates or changes, such termination or change of use shall require the termination of the nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter. This provision does not apply to tenant directories.
(g) Conformance Date. All graphics, canopies, and awnings rendered nonconforming by the provisions of this chapter and permitted to continue shall be removed, altered or remodeled to conform to the provisions of this chapter no later than January 1, 2003.
(Ord. 73-94. Passed 10-4-94.)