(A) All signs in existence on March 3, 2003, which are located in unincorporated areas of Dare County that were zoned as of that date, and all signs in existence on May 5, 2004, which are located in areas of Dare County that were unzoned as of that date that do not conform to the specific provision of this chapter will be considered to be nonconforming signs.
(B) Nonconforming signs shall be removed or brought into compliance within the timeframes specified in the table below:
Sign Type | Timeframe for Removal |
Temporary or portable signs including sandwich boards and A-frame signs | 60 days |
On-premise free-standing | 5 years |
Off-premise billboards, outdoor advertising | 3 years |
Prohibited signs | 60 days |
Non-conforming wall signs | 2 years
|
(1) Loss of Nonconforming status - A nonconforming sign may lose its nonconforming designation if:
(a) The sign is relocated or replaced; or
(b) The structure of the sign is altered in any way except towards compliance with this chapter. This does not refer to change of copy or normal maintenance.
(2) Maintenance and Repair of Nonconforming Signs - Nonconforming signs are subject to all requirements of this Chapter regarding safety, maintenance and repair. However, if the sign suffers more than 50% appraised damage or deterioration, it must be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter.
(3) Other standards for non-conforming signs:
(a) No replacement - Another nonconforming sign shall not replace a nonconforming sign except that the substitution or interchange of poster panels, painted boards or demountable material on nonconforming signs shall be permitted.
(b) Repair - Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs such as repainting, electrical repairs and neon tubing repairs shall be permitted.
(c) Alteration, Relocation or Replacement - Nonconforming signs, which are structurally altered, relocated or replaced, shall comply in all respects with the provisions of this chapter, except as specifically excepted herein.
(d) Legally Established Nonconforming Uses - New signs related to legally established nonconforming uses may be erected provided they comply with the sign requirements of the district in which the use is located.
(Res. passed 5- -2004)