(a) Any lawfully existing sign that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, either in existence prior to the date of adoption of this chapter or located in areas annexed thereafter, shall be deemed a nonconforming sign.
(b) A nonconforming sign shall not be relocated, reconstructed or replaced unless it is brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(c) A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity; provided, a sign or portion of a sign may be altered to decrease its nonconformity.
(d) A nonconforming sign shall only be maintained or repaired in the following manner:
(1) The size and structural shape shall not be changed or altered, except to remove entire elements thereby reducing the overall size.
(2) The copy may be changed (including changeable message signs and change of sign face.
(3) In the case where damage occurs to the sign, the owner or the owner's authorized representative shall, within fourteen (14) days of the damage, schedule a meeting with the Zoning Administrator for the purpose of establishing whether the sign was damaged to an extent of thirty percent (30%) or more of replacement value. Based on that determination, an application for a permit must be submitted within thirty (30) business days from the date of the pre-application meeting. Where the damage to the sign is less than thirty percent (30%) of its replacement value, the sign may be repaired to its original configuration within forty-five (45) days from the date the sign permit is issued. If the damage is greater than thirty percent (30%) of its replacement value, the sign shall be removed in its entirety within thirty (30) days from the date of damage and any subsequently erected sign must comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 4-21. Passed 1-4-21.)