(A) All existing off-premises signs and billboards permanently affixed to a pole or similar structure within the city limits on the effective date of this chapter shall be allowed to operate as non-conforming signs, if such off-premises signs and billboards were not erected in violation of the ordinances in effect at the time of their erection. If an off-premises sign or billboard permitted to remain in place as a non-confirming sign is blown down, or otherwise destroyed, or dismantled for any purpose other than maintenance operations or for changing letter, symbols, or other matter on such sign or billboard, the sign may not be reconstructed or repaired except to conform to the provisions of this chapter. An off-premises sign or billboard is considered to have been destroyed if the cost of repairing the sign or billboard is more than 60% of the cost of erecting a new sign or billboard of the same type at the same location. No off-premises sign presently in a public or railroad right-of-way shall be allowed to operate as a non-conforming sign under the provisions of this section.
(B) No person may cause an increase in the extent of non-conformity of a nonconforming sign. Illumination may not be added to a non-conforming sign.
(C) A non-conforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into conformity with this chapter.
(D) If a non-conforming sign remains blank for a continuous period of 180 days, that sign shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 90 days after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such a sign to comply with the billboard sign regulations in this chapter. For purposes of this section, a sign is "blank" if:
(1) It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted; or
(2) The advertising message it displays become illegible in whole or substantial part; or
(3) The advertising copy paid for by a party other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed.
(Ord. O-2014-001, passed 1-7-14)