A permanent sign erected within the city prior to the effective date of this chapter, which does not conform to the regulations of this chapter, shall be deemed to be a nonconforming sign which shall be allowed to continue, with normal maintenance and repair only; provided, however, a nonconforming sign may not be enlarged upon, expanded, or extended, except as otherwise provided herein. It is not the intent of this section to encourage the survival of nonconforming signs; to the contrary, nonconforming signs are discouraged and contrary to the intent and purpose of this chapter.
(A) Obsolescence or destruction. A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged, expanded, extended, replaced, or rebuilt in case of obsolescence or total destruction by any means or cause.
(B) Repair or reconstruction if damaged. In the event a nonconforming sign is damaged by any means or cause and the repair or reconstruction cost, whichever is applicable, equals or exceeds 50% of the fair market value of the sign at the time of the damage, it must be removed or brought into compliance with this chapter.
(C) Removal of unlawful signs. In case any nonconforming sign is enlarged, expanded, extended, replaced, or rebuilt in violation of any of the terms of this chapter, the City Administrator or City Secretary shall give written notice by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner, lessee, or person responsible for the sign to remove the sign or bring the sign into compliance with this chapter. If the order is not complied with within 10 days, the City Administrator or City Secretary shall revoke the sign permit, if any, or cause a complaint to be filed in the Municipal Court.
(D) Placement and removal of signs. All signs shall be placed by the owner or the party in control of the property or with the permission of the owner or party in control, and the owner or party in control shall be responsible for the prompt removal of any sign in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(E) Nonconforming temporary business signs and portable signs shall be removed or made to conform with the provisions of this chapter within 30 days after the effective date of this chapter.
(Ord. 595, passed 5-23-2006) Penalty, see § 153.99