(a) Determination of Nonconformity. A sign which is nonconforming on the effective date of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 1985-29, passed October 14, 1985), which does not conform with the provisions of this Zoning Code, as amended, 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 sign, is to cause every sign in violation of this chapter to be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with this chapter.
(c) Authority to Continue Existing Nonconformities. Any permanent sign, other than a temporary sign, which is deemed to be a nonconformity, and which was erected pursuant to a City permit and in place on the effective date of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 1985-29, passed October 14, 1985), and which remains or becomes a nonconformity upon the adoption of this Zoning Code, as amended, 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 such nonconforming sign, except those required by law to make the sign conform to 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 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, are made to conform to this chapter.
(4) Restoration of damaged nonconforming 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 this chapter or any subsequent amendment thereto. If such damage or destruction is less than sixty percent of the original cost of such sign, no repair or construction shall be made unless such restoration is started within six months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion.
(5) Discontinuance of use of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for thirty days, shall thereafter conform to this chapter.
(6) Change of use of nonconforming signs. Where the business, use or identity associated with the nonconforming sign at the time of the adoption of this Zoning Code (Ordinance 1985-29, passed October 14, 1985) 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 this chapter.
(7) Conformity date. All signs rendered nonconforming by this chapter and permitted to continue shall be removed, altered or remodeled to conform to this chapter not later than January 1, 1993.
(8) Application of regulations. When a structure and/or use is nonconforming and the signage restrictions for the district in which it is located would cause hardship, the regulations of the district most compatible with the current and/or proposed use shall be used.
(d) Continuation of Certain Signs. Any sign, graphic or numeral display embossed, etched, engraved or otherwise an integral part of the original building's masonry architecture, which was in existence prior to the effective date of this subsection (Ordinance 1987-43, passed December 14, 1987), may be continued, provided that such sign, graphic or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.
(Ord. 1987-43. Passed 12-14-87.)