(A) All signs in existence and in use on the date this chapter becomes effective which were erected in accordance with all applicable regulations of the city in force at that time, and which do not wholly conform to the applicable provisions of this chapter shall be declared legal nonconforming signs. As long as a legal nonconforming sign does not constitute a hazard to public safety or a nuisance, such sign may be maintained and may be replaced or re-erected if destroyed by fire, vandalism, windstorm or other natural forces or events beyond the control to the owner and the repair cost is less than 60% of the cost of erecting an identical new sign. A building permit is required for any replacement or re-erection. Upon any type of restoration, the conditions which rendered said sign nonconforming may not be expanded or increased. If any nonconforming sign should be dismantled, removed, or destroyed other than by fire, vandalism, windstorm, or other natural forces or events beyond the control of the owner and the repair cost is more than 60% percent of the cost of erecting an identical new sign, it shall not be replaced, re-erected, or rebuilt unless it is made to wholly conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, the City Council reserves the right at any time to institute a sign abatement program on its own motion. Such a program must follow procedures outlined in §§ 151.110 through 151.118 of this chapter, which were adopted pursuant to Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Chapter 216.
(Ord. 92-19, passed 10-6-92) Penalty, see § 151.999