(A) For the purpose of this section, a nonconforming sign shall be defined as a sign which does not conform with the provisions of this subchapter or which does not conform with the town zoning ordinance; such sign shall be removed within a period of 3 years from the effective date of the adoption of this chapter, except that:
(1) On-site nonconforming signs. All nonconforming signs not otherwise prohibited by the provisions of this chapter, relating to a place of business and located on the same premises as such place of business, may be continued until:
(a) The nature of the business conducted on the premises changes in such a manner as to occasion a change in the existing sign; or
(b) The name of the business changes and the sign is changed or modified either in shape, size or legend.
(2) Off-site nonconforming signs. Where an off-site non-conforming sign is located off the premises of the place of business to which the sign pertains and exists at effective date of the adoption of this subchapter and could not be built under the terms of this subchapter by reason of restrictions on sign area, height, its location on the lot, or other requirements, the owner of the sign shall remove the sign within 3 years from the effective date of the adoption of this subchapter.
(B) No nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered in a way from which would increase its nonconformity.
(C) Should any nonconforming sign be damaged by any means to an extent of more that 50% of its replacement cost at time of damage, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with provisions of this subchapter.
(Ord. 612, passed 2-9-1998) Penalty, see § 154.99