(a) Effective Date.
(1) A permanent sign that is nonconforming as to the applicable sign regulations prevailing on the effective date of this chapter, and that is legally erected in accordance with a valid sign permit, shall be construed as a legal nonconforming sign.
(2) A sign conforming as to the applicable sign 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 and Alteration.
(1) Repairs. Ordinary repairs and nonstructural alterations may be made to a legal 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 the requirements of this chapter.
(2) Additions and enlargements. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(3) Moving. No non-conforming 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 all requirements of this chapter.
(4) Restoration of damaged legal nonconforming sign.
A. If any legal nonconforming sign or part thereof is damaged, destroyed to more than fifty percent (50%) of its current reproduction value or is taken down, it shall not be rebuilt or relocated unless it is made to comply with the applicable regulations of this chapter and a sign permit application is approved by the Planning Commission.
B. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than fifty percent (50%) of its current reproduction value, the sign may be repaired to its original size, location and design. In order to maintain the legal nonconforming use status, all repairs or re-construction shall be started within six months from the date of the partial destruction and fully completed within three months from the start of restoration or reconstruction activity.
(5) Sign face replacement. The Building Commissioner may issue a building permit for the replacement of the face of a legal nonconforming sign if such sign face area is not increased and the business, land use, or entity associated with a legal nonconforming sign has not changed since the date of the adoption of this chapter. Otherwise, a nonconforming sign shall not be altered or moved unless it is made to comply with this chapter.
(c) Discontinuance of Use or Abandonment of a Legal Nonconforming Sign.
(1) A legal nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of 180 days, or more, shall thereafter conform to this chapter.
(2) When a non-conforming use status applies to a sign or sign structure, the removal or destruction of the sign or structure, shall eliminate the non-conforming status of the sign.
(3) Such removal of a nonconforming sign shall take place within thirty days from the written notice from the Building Commissioner regarding such zoning violation.
(d) Removal of Signs Accessory to an Abandoned Use.
(1) Any sign accessory to an abandoned use shall be removed within fifteen days of written notice by the Building Commissioner, by certified mail, to remove the sign and any supporting structure.
(2) Such notice shall be deemed sufficient if mailed to the last known address of the owner of the sign or to the address, as shown on the records of the County Recorder, of the owner of the property where the sign is located.
(3) A use shall be determined abandoned if it has ceased operations for at least 180 consecutive days.
(4) Seasonal businesses are exempt from this provision.
(e) Change of Use of a Legal Nonconforming Sign. Where the business, land use, or entity associated with a legal nonconforming sign, at the time of the adoption of this chapter, thereafter terminates or changes, such termination or change shall require termination of the nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(f) Engraved and Similar Signs. Any sign, graphic or numeral display embossed, etched, engraved or otherwise incorporated as an integral part of the original building’s masonry architecture, which was in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter may be continued, provided that such sign, graphic or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.
(Ord. 2022-24.Passed 5-24-22; Ord. 2023-6. Passed 6-27-23.)