Nonconforming signs shall be regulated and maintained under the following conditions:
(a) Continuance of Existing Signs. Except as otherwise provided below, nothing in this Article shall require the removal or discontinuance of a lawfully existing sign.
(b) Abandonment. The continuance of an existing sign which does not meet the regulations and requirements of this Article shall be deemed a nonconforming sign which shall terminate by abandonment when any of the following conditions exist:
(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 120 consecutive days. Seasonal businesses are exempt from this requirement.
(3) When the sign, together with all supports, braces, guys and anchors is not maintained in a proper state of repair and/or the immediately surrounding premises is not maintained by the owner, or his agent, in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, free from all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
Upon finding that the sign is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately.
(c) Relocation or Replacement. A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally relocated or replaced unless it is brought into compliance with the provisions of this Section.
(d) Maintenance. A nonconforming sign shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) The size and structural shape of the sign shall not be changed or altered. The copy may be changed provided that the change applies to the original use associated with the sign at the time the sign became nonconforming, and a permit is obtained. The copy area shall not be enlarged.
(2) In cases where damage has occurred to a sign, the sign shall be repaired or removed within ninety (90) days.
(e) Inspection and Removal. If any sign is found, upon inspection, to constitute a hazard to public safety, such sign shall be subject to immediate removal by order of the City, with the costs associated with such removal assessed to the owner of the property. (Ord. 2013-39. Passed 5-28-13.)