(a) General. A sign nonconforming as to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign unless this chapter or a subsequent amendment thereto makes such sign conforming.
(b) Maintenance, repair, alteration. Any lawful nonconforming sign may be maintained, and the structural or electrical parts repaired or restored to a safe condition only if required by law. Otherwise, a nonconforming sign shall not be altered or moved unless it is made to comply with this chapter. If any sign or part thereof is removed, damaged, or destroyed to more than 50% of its reproduction value, it shall not be rebuilt or relocated unless made to comply with the regulations of the district in which it is located.
(c) Change of use or occupant; discontinuance of use. When a property with a lawful nonconforming sign changes owners and the sign remains unchanged, the nonconforming sign use may continue. However, any time the use associated with a nonconforming sign, is discontinued for a period of 30 days or more, such sign shall thereafter be changed to conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(d) Maintenance. Nothing in this section shall prevent the ordinary repair, maintenance, and non-structural alteration of nonconforming signs. Replacement of a sign face shall not be considered an alteration.
(e) Effect on conforming signs. All nonconforming signs must be removed or brought into compliance with the regulations before any existing conforming signs may be modified, or any new permanent, temporary, or incidental sign may be added to any lot or building.
(f) Temporary and incidental signs shall not become lawful nonconforming signs.
(Ord. 3108, passed 7-16-18)