(a) Generally. A sign conforming to the regulations prevailing on the effective date of this chapter, but which does not conform with the regulations of this chapter or a subsequent amendment thereto, shall be construed as a legal nonconforming sign.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this section, in addition to providing specific standards for the design, construction and erection of every new graphic, sign, marquee or canopy, is to cause every graphic or other sign in violation of any provision of this chapter to be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Maintenance. Nonconforming signs may be maintained and structural parts repaired or restored to a safe condition, if required and if a permit therefor has been issued.
(d) Authority to Continue Nonconformities. Any permanent graphic, sign, marquee or canopy, as defined in Section 1383.03, other than a temporary sign, which is deemed to be a nonconformity, which was erected pursuant to a City permit and in place on the effective date of a provision of this chapter or any subsequent amendment thereto, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Repairs. Ordinary repairs and nonstructural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming sign, except those required by law to make the sign conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(2) Additions and enlargements. A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner.
(3) Moving. No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign and the use thereof are made to conform to all requirements of this chapter.,
(4) Restoration of damaged nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other cause to the extent that the cost of restoration will exceed 60% of the replacement cost of such sign, shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to all the requirements of this chapter, or any subsequent amendment thereto. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than 60% of the replacement cost of such sign, no repairs or construction shall be made unless restoration is started within three months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion.
(5) Discontinuance of use of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of 30 days, shall thereafter conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(6) Change of use of nonconforming signs. Where there is a change in ownership or 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 any nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(7) When any sign associated with a business, use or identity is altered, not including maintenance as defined in Section 1383.29, all nonconforming signs associated with the business, use or identity must be brought into conformance.
(e) Engraved and Similar Signs. Any sign, graphic or numeral display embossed, etched, engraved or otherwise an integral part of the original building's masonry architecture, which was in existence prior to the effective date of division (d) of this section, may be continued, provided that such sign, graphic or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.
(Ord. 2001-49. Passed 12-10-01.)