It is recognized that signs exist within the zoning districts which were lawful before this sign ordinance was enacted, which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this section or future amendments. It is the intent of this sign subchapter that nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district. It is further the intent of this sign subchapter to permit legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date of this sign subchapter, or amendments thereto, to continue as legal nonconforming signs provided such signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:
(A) No sign shall be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity. This shall not prohibit routine maintenance of the sign.
(B) Should such sign or sign structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its replacement cost and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Should such sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located after it is moved.
(D) No existing sign devoted to a use not permitted by the Zoning Ordinance in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended, or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the zoning district in which it is located.
(E) When a structure loses its nonconforming status all signs devoted to the structure shall be removed and all signs painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color or a color which will harmonize with the structure.
(Ord. 2013-05, passed 5-20-2013)