(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, signs which were legally in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter, but which do not conform with the provisions hereof, may be maintained as a matter of right provided that such signs comply with the provisions of Part Fourteen of the Building and Housing Code regarding safety, maintenance, and repair.
(b) Normal maintenance such as painting, cleaning, or minor repairs to the sign face shall be permitted on all such nonconforming signs.
(c) Relocation or replacement of a nonconforming sign or any alteration in the size or structure of such sign or a change in the mechanical facilities, type of illumination or sign face material, shall cause the sign to lose its status as legally nonconforming and said sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this chapter.
(d) If more than fifty percent of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired to conform to this chapter.
(e) If a non-conforming sign ceases to be used for any reason for a continuous period of six months, the nonconforming sign shall be eliminated and the sign shall thereafter be required to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(f) For the purpose of amortization, these signs may be continued from the February 27, 2019 effective date of this updated chapter for a period not to exceed ten years (until February 26, 2029), unless otherwise provided in this section.
(g) In the event a property is sold or transferred, or a new tenant leases a property or property unit, any nonconforming signs related to the business of the new property owner or new tenant shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section within ninety days of the property transfer or lease commencement date.
(Ord. 2019-05. Passed 2-27-19; Ord. 2023-03. Passed 2-8-23.)