A. It is recognized that signs exist within the City that were lawful before these sign regulations were adopted but are prohibited under the regulations of this article. Such nonconforming signs are allowed to continue as nonconforming signs provided that such signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed. Nonconforming signs are subject to compliance with the following provisions:
1. Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or altered in a way that increases the sign's nonconformity.
2. If the use of the nonconforming sign or sign structure is discontinued for a period of one year, the sign or sign structure may not be reconstructed or used except in compliance with the provisions of this article.
3. Should a nonconforming sign or sign structure be damaged, or structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its market value and all required permits for its reconstruction have not been applied for within 180 days of when the sign or sign Structure was damaged, it may not be reconstructed or used except in compliance with the provisions of this article.
4. If a nonconforming sign or sign structure is moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it must thereafter comply with the regulations of this article.
5. Existing signs on the site of a use that is not permitted in the zone in which the use is located may not be enlarged, expanded or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the subject zone.
6. When a building loses its nonconforming status all signs devoted to the building must be removed and all signs painted directly on the building must be repainted in a neutral color or a color that matches the building.
B. Maintenance and Repair Requirements:
1. All signs, together with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation.
2. The display surfaces of all signs and tier supports shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
3. All signs which are unsafe, dangerous, and/or unsightly shall be repaired or removed. Unsafe or dangerous signs shall be removed or otherwise properly secured by the property owner and/or sign owner upon receipt of notice to do so given by the City. Any abandoned, unsafe, or illegal sign is hereby declared to be a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cottage Grove and is declared to be a public nuisance subject to abatement and assessment, except that legally established nonconforming signs shall not be abated until they have been abandoned for more than one year. Unsightly signs must be repaired or removed within fifteen (15) days of notification. The term "unsightly" shall mean a condition in which the sign has deteriorated to the point where at least one-fourth (1/4) of the surface area of the name, identification, description, display, illustration, or other symbol is no longer clearly recognizable at a distance of twenty feet (20'); or where paint is peeling, chipping, or flaking from the structure surface, or where the sign has developed significant rust, corrosion, rotting, or other deterioration in the physical appearance.
4. Every sign and the immediate surrounding premises shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, and weeds. Notice shall be given to the Community Development Director of any change in sign user, sign owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located. (Ord. 1082, 5-1-2024)
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