Nonconforming signs shall be regulated as follows.
(A) A sign conforming to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of this code, but which does not conform to the regulations of this or a subsequent amendment, shall be construed as a legal nonconforming sign.
(B) Legal nonconforming signs may be maintained and structural parts repaired or restored to a safe condition if required, and if all applicable permits are obtained. However, when a nonconforming sign has been blown down or destroyed to the extent that more than 50% of its replacement value to repair, or otherwise taken down for any purpose, it shall not be rebuilt, re-erected, or relocated unless it shall be made to comply with current provisions of this code.
(C) No nonconforming sign shall be allowed to remain for more than six months, after the use of land or building, for which the sign relates, has ceased by discontinuance or abandonment. The property owner of a nonconforming sign may receive a notice from the municipality to conform the sign to this code and other applicable regulations of the municipality within 30 days of the date of notice. If the property owner fails to comply with the notice, the municipality may issue an order to the property owner that the sign must be removed within five months from the date of the order. A sign that is not removed within five months in compliance with the order may be removed by the city at the expense of the property owner. To recover the costs from the property owner, the Clerk of the municipality may certify the total cost, together with a proper description of the land, to the County Auditor to place costs upon the tax duplicate, or the city may commence a civil action against the property owner for the costs.
(Ord. 2018-06, passed 7-9-2018, § 155.194; Ord. 2023-28, passed 9-14-2023)