(A) Generally. Any permanent sign located within the city limits on the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance that does not conform to the provisions of Article G, Signs, is a nonconforming sign, provided it also meets the following requirements:
(1) Authorized by a sign permit prior to the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance; or
(2) If no sign permit was required under applicable law for the sign in question, the sign:
(a) Was in all respects in conformity with the applicable law (or there was no applicable law) immediately prior to the effective date; or
(b) Had legal nonconforming status at such time.
(B) Standards.
(1) Notification. If the Zoning Administrator finds a sign to be nonconforming, the Zoning Administrator shall provide written notice to the owner of the sign or the owner of the building to which it is attached.
(2) Registration. The owner or entity in control of the property on which a nonconforming sign is located shall be required to register such signs with the city, at no fee, and otherwise comply with all requirements of this Zoning Ordinance relating to nonconforming signs.
(3) Damage or destruction. If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means and the repair or reconstruction cost, whichever is applicable, equals or exceeds 50% of the fair market value of the sign at the time of the damage, it shall be removed or brought into compliance with this Zoning Ordinance.
(4) No message. If a nonconforming sign does not display any message for a period of six months, it shall be removed or brought into conformance with this Zoning Ordinance.
(5) Removal. If a nonconforming sign is removed for any reason, it shall not be replaced unless the replacement sign conforms to this Zoning Ordinance.
(6) Danger. A nonconforming sign that the Building Official determines to be a danger to public safety due to damage or wear shall be removed and shall not be replaced unless the replacement sign conforms to this Zoning Ordinance.
(8) New sign installation. The installation of any new sign is prohibited on a site while a nonconforming sign remains in use.
(9) Temporary signs. Temporary signs that are not in compliance with § 156.G.006, Temporary Signs, shall be removed within 30 days after the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance.
(Ord. 15039, passed 4-11-2022)