It is recognized that signs exist within the zoning districts which were lawful before this subchapter was enacted, but will be prohibited under the terms of this subchapter. It is the intent of this subchapter that nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged upon or expanded, nor be used as grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district. It is further the intent of this subchapter to permit legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date of this subchapter to continue as legal nonconforming signs provided such signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:
(A) No sign shall be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity.
(B) If the use of the nonconforming sign or sign structure is discontinued for a period of 1 year, the sign or sign structure shall not be reconstructed or used except in conformity with the provisions of this subchapter.
(C) Should such nonconforming sign or sign structure be damaged or structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its market value and all required permits for its reconstruction have not been applied for within 180 days of when the sign or sign structure was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed or used except in conformity with the provisions of this subchapter.
(D) Should such a sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located after it is moved.
(E) No existing sign devoted to a use not permitted by the Zoning Code in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, expanded or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the zoning district in which it is located.
(F) When a building loses its nonconformity status all signs devoted to the structure shall be removed and all signs painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color which will harmonize with the structure.
(Ord. 494, passed 9-25-2007) Penalty, see § 151.999