(A) In any residential district, Business A District, and Industrial A District, any legal sign erected before the effective date of this subchapter (March 25, 1996) may be retained; provided, that such sign is in conformity with the structural standards imposed by this subchapter, that such sign is maintained in good repair and condition as determined by the Building Commissioner; and provided further, that the burden of proof of legal status shall be upon the owner of the sign.
(B) In any residential district, Business A District, and Industrial A District, any legal nonconforming sign shall lose its legal nonconforming status and shall be brought into compliance with all requirements of this subchapter for a new sign upon occurrence of any one of the following:
(1) Alteration of the sign in whole or in part, in any way structurally, in size, or in the sign message, except that a nonconforming sign damaged by fire, wind, or earthquake, or other act of God may be restored to the original condition of the sign before such calamity; provided, that the damage to the sign is less than 65% of the original cost of the sign, at the date of the calamity. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the strengthening or restoration to a safe condition of a sign declared by the Building Commissioner to be unsafe;
(2) Relocation of the sign either on the same premises or on different premises;
(3) Replacement of a like nonconforming sign;
(4) Increase in the degree of illumination; or
(5) Repainting of a sign in colors different from the original colors and which are not in compliance with the requirements of this subchapter; provided, that nothing herein contained shall prevent the repainting or touching-up of a sign in its original colors.
(2000 Code, § 151.132) (Ord. O-4-96, passed 3-25-1996)