A non-conforming sign is any permanent sign or temporary sign that was legally established and maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but that does not now comply with the provisions of this development code.
It is the intent of this chapter to recognize that the eventual elimination of signs that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter is as important as the prohibition of new signs that would violate these standards. This section shall not apply to billboards subject to a relocation agreement pursuant to Section 16.38.150.
A. General Requirements. A non-conforming sign may not be:
1. Changed to another non-conforming sign;
2. Structurally altered to extend its useful life;
3. Expanded;
4. Re-established after a business discontinued for sixty (60) days; or
5. Re-established after damage or destruction of more than fifty (50) percent of its value, as determined by the building official.
B. Abatement. After the expiration of the time period applicable to a particular type of sign, as provided in subsection C below, signs not conforming to the provisions of this chapter shall be brought into compliance.
C. Amortization. After the date of enactment of this chapter, the following signs located within any zoning district shall be brought into compliance with the provisions applicable to the zoning district within the following time periods:
1. Temporary Signs.
a. Ninety (90) Days. Paper, cloth and cardboard signs, board signs, banners, flags or pennants, balloons, bunting, portable signs and mobile signs, animated or moving signs, flashing and scintillating signs, and other similar signs; or
b. Twelve (12) Months. Unlighted wood and metal signs and signs painted on structures, walls, windows, fences, and similar temporary signs.
2. Permanent Signs-Fifteen (15) Years. Any sign, regardless of material, that is designed and constructed to have a useful life greater the fifteen (15) years.
D. Annexed Areas. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, signs in areas annexed to the city after the date of adoption of this chapter that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be regarded as non-conforming signs which may remain for the remaining amortization period as provided above, or for a period of three (3) years from the date of annexation, whichever is longer.
E. Exception. If a non-conforming sign has historical significance, (i.e., on city's local inventory) apart from its main purpose of advertising, the sign may be granted a minor conditional use permit for continued use in compliance with Chapter 16.52 (Minor Conditional Use Permits).
F. Maintenance and Repair. Non-conforming signs and sign structures may be maintained and repaired in compliance with Section 16.32.030 (Restrictions on Non-conforming Structures and Uses).
(Ord. 587 Exhibit B, (part), 2022; Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)