(a) Intent of Provisions. It is the intent of this Section to recognize that the eventual elimination of existing signs that are not in conformity with the provisions of this Chapter is as important as is the prohibitions of new signs that would violate these regulations.
(b) General. Every sign which does not comply with the provision of this section shall be removed, brought into conformance, or amortized in accordance with this Section. Time periods for amortization of nonconforming signs shall begin from the completion and publication (or posting) of the inventory specified below. Any sign which becomes nonconforming either by reason of amendment of this Chapter, shall also be subject to the provisions of this Chapter. The period of time within which such sign must be abated shall commence upon the effective date of such amendment. Any sign not complying with the provisions of this Chapter at the end of the amortization period shall be deemed a public nuisance and abated in accordance with this section.
(c) Signs to be Brought into Conformance Within Six Months. The following signs shall be removed or otherwise brought into conformance by the person(s) deemed responsible for such signs within six months of official notification following the completion of the inventory of illegal, nonconforming and abandoned signs required by subsection (g) of this section. If there are substantial changes a grace period of 30 days shall be allowed beyond the amortization period.
(1) Illegal signs.
(2) Temporary commercial signs or temporary on-site devices attached to signs or used in conjunction with the promotion of any product, service or use, such as flags, banners, bunting, inflatable devices, pennants, streamers, and spinners, except as permitted by section 9.25.060.
(3) Any sign type which is listed as prohibited in section 9.25.080 which is not determined to be legally nonconforming.
(4) Signs in a state of disrepair or showing poor maintenance or questionable structural integrity.
(d) Legal Nonconforming Wall Signs. Any permanent wall sign which was properly erected pursuant to regulations in existence at the time of its erection or placement, and with a valid sign and/or building permit, but which does not meet the requirements of this Chapter, shall be allowed to remain in existence, notwithstanding its nonconforming character, for a period not to exceed six months from the day of completion and publication (or posting) of the inventory as specified by subsection (h) below, providing that such signs and sign structures remain in full compliance with sections 9.25.080 and 9.25.110 of this Code; and further providing that if a comprehensive sign program is adopted pursuant to section 9.25.040 hereof, within one year from the date of completion and publication or posting of the inventory as specified in subsection (h), which program addresses the amortization of all legal non-conforming signs with the program, the amortization period shall be extended to a total of one year. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, such signs must be brought in conformance if major exterior building modification occurs as determined by the City.
(e) Legal Nonconforming Roof Signs.
(1) Any permanent roof sign, which was properly erected pursuant to the regulations in existence at the time of its erection or placement, and with a valid sign permit, and/or building permit, shall be allowed to remain in existence, notwithstanding its nonconforming character, for a period not to exceed six months from the date of completion and publication (or posting) of the inventory as specified by subsection (h) below, providing that such signs and sign structures remain in full compliance with section 9.25.110 of this Code; and further providing that if a comprehensive sign program is adopted pursuant to section 9.25.040 hereof, within one year from the date of completion and publication or posting of the inventory, as specified in subsection (h) below, which program addresses the amortization of all legal non-conforming signs within the program, the amortization period shall be extend to a total of one year. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, such signs must be brought into conformance if major exterior building modification occurs as determined by the City.
(2) If it is determined by the City Planner during inventory and identification of signs (subsection (h) below) that the construction of a building is such that reasonable signage cannot be placed in any location other than the existing roof sign(s), said sign(s) shall be deemed in compliance with this Chapter until such time as the building is remodeled sufficiently to allow signage other than roof signs.
(f) Legal Nonconforming Freestanding Signs. Any permanent freestanding sign, measuring 65 square feet or less and 35 feet or less in height, which was properly erected pursuant to the regulations in existence at the time of its erection or placement, and with a valid sign permit, and/or building permit, shall be allowed to remain in existence, notwithstanding its nonconforming character, for a period not to exceed six months from the date of completion and publication (or posting) of the inventory as specified in subsection (h) below, providing that such signs and sign structures remain in full compliance with section 9.25.110 of this Code; and further providing that if a comprehensive sign program is adopted pursuant to Section 9.25.040 hereof, within one year from the date of completion and publication or posting of the inventory as specified in subsection (h), which program addresses the amortization of all legal non-conforming signs within the program, the amortization period shall be extended to a total of one year. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, such signs must be brought into conformance if major exterior building modification occurs as determined by the City.
(g) All Other Legal Nonconforming Signs. Any sign which was properly erected pursuant to the regulations in existence at the time of its erection or placement, and with a valid signs and/or building permit, but which does not meet the requirements of this Chapter, shall be removed or otherwise brought into compliance with this code within six months of the date of completion and publication (or posting) of the inventory as specified by subsection (h). Such signs must be brought into conformance if a building permit or permits are subsequently issued on the site of major exterior modifications.
(h) Inventory of Nonconforming and Abandoned Signs. The City may initiate an inventory and identification of all illegal, legal nonconforming, and abandoned signs within the City, as determined necessary by the City Manager. If any illegal, legal nonconforming and abandoned sign is not identified as part of the City's initial inventory, any such sign may be added to the inventory upon its identification as such.
(Ord. 221, passed 7-6-2022)