Nonconforming signs shall be regulated as follows:
(a) Effective Date. A permanent sign that is nonconforming as to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of this chapter, and that is legally erected in accordance with a City permit, shall be construed as a legal nonconforming sign. A sign conforming as to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of such ordinance, but which does not conform with the regulations of a subsequent amendment to this Zoning Code, shall also be construed as a legal nonconforming sign.
(b) Maintenance; Repair; Alteration. A legal nonconforming sign may be maintained, and structural or electrical parts may be required, replaced or restored to a safe condition, only if required by law. In addition, the Building Commissioner, or his or her selected representative, may permit the replacement of the face of a legal nonconforming wall sign if such face is encased in a structure which is consistent in size and appearance with all other such sign structures in a unified shopping area. Otherwise, a nonconforming sign shall not be altered or moved unless it is made to comply with this Zoning Code. If any sign or part thereof is damaged, destroyed to more than fifty percent of its reproduction value or is taken down, it shall not be rebuilt or relocated unless it is made to comply with the regulations of the district in which it is located.
(c) Discontinuance of Use. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period or thirty days or more, shall thereafter conform to this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 2001-035. Passed 10-17-01.)