(A) Compliance with this chapter. Non-conforming signs shall also be subject to the additional regulations established in this section.
(B) Prohibition on alteration of non-conforming signs. A non-conforming sign may not be enlarged, moved or replaced, nor may the face appearance be altered, nor illumination added, except to lawfully bring the sign into complete conformity with the provisions of this chapter or for maintenance authorized herein.
(C) Maintenance and repair.
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this section, non-conforming signs may be maintained and repaired so long as the cost of such work within any 12-month period does not exceed 50% of the value (tax value if listed for tax purposes) of such sign.
(2) No such work shall be done without the person proposing to do such work first submitting such information as may be required to satisfy the Director that the cost of such work would not exceed 50% of the value of the sign and receiving an authorization from the Director for such work.
(D) Abandonment of non-conforming sign. If a non-conforming sign other than a billboard is blank or advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that has not been operated, offered or conducted for a continuous period of 12 months, the non-conforming sign aspect of that shall be deemed abandoned and shall be removed within 30 days after such abandonment by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign.
(E) Non-conforming billboard. If a non-conforming billboard remains blank for a continuous period of 12 months, that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be altered to comply with this and all applicable provisions of §§ 158.160 through 158.168 of this chapter or be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign.
(F) Definition. For purposes of this section, a sign is “blank” if:
(1) It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted;
(2) The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or substantial part;
(3) The advertising copy paid for by a person other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed; or
(4) Failure to pay any applicable tax or license fee on any billboard shall also constitute abandonment requiring its removal.
(Ord. 3399, passed 12-5-2005; Ord. 3569 passed 4-21-2008)