A sign, which is nonconforming on the effective date of this chapter which and does not conform to the regulation of this chapter or a subsequent amendment, shall be deemed a nonconforming sign.
(a) The purpose of this chapter is to provide specific standards for the design, construction and erection of every new graphic, sign, marquee, canopy, and awning.
(b) Any permanent sign as defined in Section 1121.53
, other than a temporary sign, which is deemed to be in non-conformity, which was erected pursuant to a City permit and in place on the effective date of this chapter or any subsequent amendment thereof, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Ordinary repairs and non-structural alterations may be made to individual or multiple user nonconforming signs. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming signs, except those required by law to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(2) A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(3) No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign and the use thereof, is made to conform to all regulations of this chapter.
(4) 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 (60%) of the original cost of such sign, shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to all regulations of this chapter, or any subsequent amendment thereof. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than sixty percent (60%) of the original cost of such sign, no repairs or construction shall be made unless such restoration is started and completed within six months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion. One six-month extension may be granted by the Safety/Service Director.
(5) A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of thirty days, shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(6) Where the business, use or identity associated with the nonconforming sign at the time of the adoption of this chapter, 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 the regulations of this chapter.
(7) 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.
(8) Any sign, graphic or numeral displayed, embossed, etched, engraved or otherwise, integral part of the original building’s masonry architecture which was in existence prior to the effective date of this section may be continued provided such sign, graphic, or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.
(Ord. 1-2003. Passed 1-6-03.)