(A) Any sign existing and in place in the town as of December 14, 1988 and which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter shall constitute a “nonconforming sign.”
(B) The use of a nonconforming sign may be continued so long as it remains otherwise legal and conforms to the following requirements.
(1) No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, expanded or extended so as to occupy a larger or different area than that area occupied as of December 14, 1988.
(2) No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any location other than that location occupied as of December 14, 1988.
(3) If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, wind storm, traffic accident or other casualty to an extent of 75% or more of the replacement cost at the time of such damage or destruction, the damage or destruction shall eliminate the nonconforming status of the sign which shall thereafter be required to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(4) If a nonconforming sign is removed for a continuous period of 30 days, the nonconforming status of the sign shall be eliminated and the sign shall thereafter be required to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(5) If a nonconforming sign is replaced, such replacement shall eliminate its nonconforming status and the sign shall thereafter be required to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(6) If a nonconforming sign ceases to be used for any reason for a continuous period of six months, the nonconforming status of the sign shall be eliminated and the sign shall thereafter be required to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(7) Nonconforming signs which are portable must be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this chapter on or before December 15, 1989.
(8) Normal day-to-day maintenance and repair of nonconforming signs shall be permitted.
(Ord. 250A, passed 9-4-2001) Penalty, see § 151.99