A nonconforming sign is a sign that was lawfully established prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter, the lawful sign may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions.
(A) Nonconforming signs must be maintained in good repair, and must comply with all other requirements of this Zoning Code.
(C) Change of copy or the substitution of panels or faces on nonconforming signs is permitted without affecting the legal status of a sign as a nonconforming sign (subject to requirements for building and electrical permits). No other alterations are allowed, except for routine maintenance and repair.
(D) Any nonconforming on-premises sign that is located on property that has failed to maintain a valid business license or that becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of three months, or any nonconforming on-premises sign that pertains to a time, event, or purpose that is no longer imminent or pending will be deemed to have been abandoned.
(E) Any nonconforming off-premises sign that is not used or for which a valid permit or license does not exist for a continuous period of three months will be deemed to have been abandoned.
(F) (1) Abandoned nonconforming signs are prohibited and must be removed by the owner of the sign or the property owner of the premises.
(2) No building permits or approvals may be issued for buildings occupied by nonconforming abandoned signs until such signs are removed or updated to present sign ordinance.
(Ord. 09-0008, passed 4-27-2009)