(A) A nonconforming sign may continue in use, subject to the provisions of this section. A nonconforming sign shall be removed within 30 days if the sign, or a substantial part of it, is damaged or dismantled for any purpose other than maintenance operations or for changing the letters, symbols or other matter on the sign. For purposes of this section, a sign or substantial part of it is considered to have been damaged only if the cost of repairing the sign is more than 60% of the cost of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location.
(B) A nonconforming sign that is abandoned, as evidenced by cessation in commerce of the firm or product advertised or by deterioration of the message thereon, to greater than 60% loss of legibility, as determined by the Building Official, shall be removed, repaired or made to conform to current sign regulations, at the sole expense of the real property and/or sign owner, within 30 days of notification of the condition. An additional period may be allowed by the Building Official for that action, upon good cause shown.
(C) Voluntary removal of a nonconforming sign shall terminate nonconforming rights for the sign, and it shall not be replaced unless the replacement conforms to all provisions of this chapter.
(D) It is the intent of the City Council that this provision shall comply with the provisions of Tex. Loc. Gov't Code, § 216.013, as it may be amended from time to time, and it is not the intention of the City Council for the regulations of this chapter to require the city to pay compensation for a relocated sign within the meaning of Tex. Loc. Gov't Code, Ch. 216.
(Ord. 08-342, passed 3-4-2008) Penalty, see § 152.99