(a) The continuance of an existing sign which does not meet the regulations and requirements of this Chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign which shall terminate by abandonment. A sign shall be considered abandoned:
(1) When the sign is associated with an abandoned use.
(2) When the sign remains after the termination of a business. A business has ceased operations if it is closed to the public for at least 90 consecutive days. Seasonal businesses are exempt from this determination.
(3) When the sign is not maintained or does not conform to the following:
A. All signs, together with all supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be subject to periodic inspection in accordance with the Ohio Building Code.
B. Every sign and the immediately surrounding premises shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof, in a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, and weeds.
(4) Abandonment shall be determined based upon the above definitions. Upon a finding by the Zoning Inspector, that the signage is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately.
(5) If the abandoned sign is not removed as ordered, the sign may be removed by the City at the expense of the lessee or owner. If the City is not reimbursed for the cost of removal within thirty (30) days of such removal, the amount thereof shall be certified to the Hamilton County Auditor for collection as a special assessment against the property upon which such sign is located.
(b) A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally relocated or replaced unless it is brought into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(c) A nonconforming sign shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) The site and structural shape shall not be changed or altered. The copy may be changed provided that the change applies to the original nonconforming use associated with the sign and that the change is made by the owner of the sign at the time the sign became nonconforming. The copy area shall not be enlarged. Any subsequent owner or user shall bring the sign into compliance within 30 days.
(2) In the event damage occurs to the sign to the extent of 50% or more of either the structure or the replacement value of the sign, the sign shall be brought into compliance. Where damage to the sign is less than 50% of the structure or its replacement value, the sign shall be repaired within sixty (60) days