(a) Nonconforming Sign Defined. A sign which, on the effective date of this chapter, does not conform to the provisions of this chapter or subsequent amendments hereto shall be deemed a nonconformity.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this section, in addition to providing specific standards for the design, construction and erection of every new graphic, sign, marquee, canopy and awning, is to cause every graphic or other sign in violation of any provision of this chapter to be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Authority to Continue Existing Nonconformities. Any permanent graphic, sign, marquee, canopy or awning, other than a temporary sign, which was erected pursuant to a City permit, and which is in place on the effective date of this chapter, and which remains or becomes a nonconformity upon the adoption of this chapter or any subsequent amendment hereto, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Repairs. Ordinary repairs and nonstructural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon a nonconforming sign, except those required by law to make the sign conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Additions and enlargements. A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(3) Moving. No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign, and the use thereof, is made to conform to all provisions of this chapter.
(4) Restoration of damaged signs. A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other cause to the extent that the cost of restoration will exceed sixty percent of the original cost of such sign shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to all the provisions of this chapter or any subsequent amendment hereto. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than sixty percent of the original cost of such sign, no repairs or construction shall be made unless such restoration is started within six months from the date of the partial construction and is diligently pursued to completion.
(5) Discontinuance of use. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of thirty days, shall thereafter conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(6) Change of use. Where the business, use or identity associated with a nonconforming sign, at the time of the adoption of this chapter, thereafter terminates or changes, such termination or change of use shall require termination of the nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(7) Conformance date. All graphics, signs, marquees, canopies and awnings rendered nonconforming by the provisions of this chapter and permitted to continue shall be removed, altered or remodeled to conform to the provisions of this chapter no later than January 1, 2000.
(Ord. 96-61. Passed 4-21-97.)