(a) Signs lawfully existing on the effective date of this code which do not conform to the provisions of this code, and signs which are accessory to a nonconforming use shall be deemed to be nonconforming signs and may remain except as qualified below.
(1) No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged nor shall any feature of a nonconforming sign, such as illumination, be increased.
(2) Nonconforming signs shall not be extended, structurally reconstructed, altered in any manner, or replaced with another non-conforming sign.
(3) Nonconforming sign shall not be moved for any distance on the same lot or to any other lot unless such change in location will make the sign conform in all respects to the provisions of this article.
(4) A nonconforming sign that is destroyed or damaged by any casualty to an extent not exceeding fifty (50) percent of its area may be restored within six (6) months after such destruction or damage but shall not be enlarged. If such sign is so destroyed or damaged to an extent exceeding fifty (50) percent, the sign shall not be reconstructed but may be replaced with a sign that is in full accordance with this code.
(5) Nonconforming sign structures shall be removed if the use to which it is accessory has not been in operation for a period of one year or more. Such sign structure shall be removed or made conforming by the owner or lessee of the property. If the owner or lessee fails to remove or make conforming the sign structure within 30 days of notice by the Zoning Officer, the Zoning Officer may cause the sign to be made conforming and/or removed and the cost of such removal or modification shall be charged to the owner, person having control, or person receiving benefit from such sign, with payment due within 30 days of notice of charges.
(6) If a nonconforming sign is altered such that the sign is conforming or is replaced by a conforming sign, such sign shall thereafter be kept in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(b) The burden of establishing nonconforming status of signs and the physical characteristics and location of such signs shall be with the owner of the property. Upon notice from the Zoning Officer, a property owner shall submit verification that sign(s) were lawfully erected. Failure to provide such verification shall be cause the sign to be deemed an illegal sign.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent keeping in good repair a nonconforming sign. (Passed 10-3-17.)