(a) Maintenance of Non-Conforming Signs. A non-conforming sign and the supports thereof shall be maintained in good condition pursuant to Section 1149.19(c), Maintenance.
(b) Alteration, Relocation or Replacement of Non-Conforming Signs. A non-conforming sign and the support thereof shall not be structurally altered, relocated, or replaced unless it is consistent with the provisions of this Chapter.
(c) Reconstruction of Damaged Sign. If the cost of repair of a damaged sign face and/or its support exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the replacement cost, the sign shall either be removed or brought into compliance with this Chapter. If the repair costs do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the replacement cost, the sign may be repaired, subject to approval of a sign permit by the Community Development Administrator.
(d) Termination. A legal or permitted non-conforming pole sign shall either conform with this Chapter or be removed, when any of the following occur:
(1) The size or shape of the sign is changed; or
(2) The building to which the sign is accessory is renovated or remodeled to the extent that more than fifty percent (50%) of the gross floor area is removed or replaced; or
(3) The building is expanded, and the total sign area permitted for the expanded building is more than fifty percent (50%) greater than the existing sign area.
(4) The building, premises or property is vacant for a period of eighteen (18) months. The property owner shall be notified after twelve (12) months of vacancy that removal of the sign shall be required upon the passage of 18 months from the date of vacancy.
(e) Extension of Time to Comply. The deadline established in subsection 1149.23 (d)(4) above for sign compliance may be appealed to the Planning Commission by the owner, lessee or occupant of the nonconforming sign premises. In evaluating the extension of the deadline for removal or compliance of a non-conforming sign, the Planning Commission shall consider the following factors:
(1) The cost of the sign and the length of time the sign has been in place;
(2) The current life expectancy of the sign and its salvage value, if any;
(3) The length of the current tenant lease or expected occupancy in relation to the compliance deadline;
(4) The factors which cause the sign to be non-conforming and not in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter; and,
(5) The factors which cause the sign to be consistent with the purposes of this Chapter.
(f) Historic Signs. The Planning Commission may exempt a sign which it determines has historic significance. (Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)