(A) Applicability. This division applies to signs as defined in § 155.508 (Defined Terms) that are non-conforming.
(B) Continuation. Except as otherwise required by this division, a non-conforming sign may continue its use as a sign if it was legally established in compliance with all applicable regulations in effect at the time the sign was installed. It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate that the sign was legally established.
(C) Allowed changes.
(1) Changes to sign copy/face and repainting of non-conforming signs is permitted as long as there is no alteration to the physical structure or support elements of the sign.
(2) Routine repairs and maintenance may be performed on a non-conforming sign. Routine repair and maintenance does not include 50% or more replacement of the physical structure, or expansion or enlargement of the physical structure or sign.
(3) A non-conforming sign that sustains less than 50% damage to its structure may be repaired to its original pre-damaged condition, provided that such repair is completed within 180 days after the date of the damage. The replacement of 50% or more of the sign's structure is not repair and maintenance but instead constitutes a replacement structure requiring compliance with current permitting and development standards.
(D) Required compliance.
(1) Sign installed on or after January 1, 2000. A non-conforming sign installed on or after January 1, 2000 must be removed or brought into compliance with this section when:
(a) The sign is damaged or requires maintenance and the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the replacement value;
(b) The sign is relocated to a different lot or building; or
(c) The Director determines the sign has become a public nuisance or hazard due to inadequate maintenance or dilapidation in accordance with § 155.340.080(E) (Maintenance).
(2) Sign installed before January 1, 2000. A non-conforming sign installed before January 1, 2000 must be removed or brought into compliance with this section when:
(a) The sign is associated with a development project requiring a building permit where the total construction value is $55,000 or more. The $55,000 project valuation threshold will be increased for inflation by 3% annually, using 2023 as the base year;
(b) A new use requiring a use permit occupies the tenant space served by the sign;
(c) The sign is located on a remodeled building façade;
(d) The building containing the use advertised by the sign is enlarged by 10% or more;
(e) The sign is damaged or requires maintenance and the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the replacement value;
(f) The sign is relocated to a different lot or building; or
(g) The Director determines the sign has become a public nuisance or hazard due to inadequate maintenance or dilapidation in accordance with § 155.340.080(E) (Maintenance).
(E) Digital signs. Non-conforming digital signs must comply with the design, message, and brightness standards in Table 340-9 in 155.340.070 (Sign Standards).
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902-C.S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)