Sec. 14-555. - Nonconforming signs.
   (a)   Definition. A nonconforming sign is a sign that was lawfully established prior to the effective date of this chapter or a subsequent amendment thereto, but does not conform to the design standards of article VI of this chapter applicable to such sign.
   (b)   Regulations. Nonconforming signs may be continued subject to the following limitations:
   (1)   No nonconforming sign, including its permanent message or its structure, shall be extended, enlarged, moved, or otherwise altered unless such sign is made to conform to the current regulations of this chapter.
   (2)   When a nonconforming sign is damaged or demolished to the extent where more than 50 percent of its display area requires replacement, such sign shall be eliminated or made to conform to the current regulations of this chapter.
   (3)   When the repair or replacement cost of a nonconforming sign exceeds $2,500.00 for a sign located on a wood base, or $6,000.00 for a sign located on a metal base, such sign shall be eliminated or made to conform to the current regulations of this chapter.
   (c)   Amortization. Any nonconforming sign shall be either eliminated or made to conform to current regulations of this chapter in accordance with the following schedule:
   (1)   Any nonconforming sign that does not conform to the requirements of section 14-505, traffic safety precautions, shall be either eliminated or made to conform to the current regulations of this chapter within 120 days after the date of notice of nonconformity required in section 14-557.
   (2)   Any nonconforming sign that is exempt from regulation under subsection 14-504, but does not conform to the temporary sign limitations in section 14-504, shall be either eliminated or made to conform to the current regulations of this chapter within 120 days after the date of notice of nonconformity required in section 14-557.
(Ord. of 7-10-2000, § 12.5; Ord. of 11-13-2000, §§ 12.5.2, 12.5.3; Amend. of 8-3-2020)