(a) Continuance.
(1) The continuance of an existing sign that does not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign which shall terminate by abandonment. A sign shall be considered abandoned when:
A. The sign is associated with an abandoned use.
B. The sign remains after the termination of a business. A business has ceased operations if it is closed to the public for at least ninety consecutive days. Seasonal businesses are exempt from this determination.
C. The sign is not maintained or does not conform to the following:
1. All signs, together with all supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation.
2. Every sign and the immediately surrounding premises shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
(2) Abandonment shall be determined by the City Manager or his or her designee, based upon the above criteria or at a public hearing or meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Upon a finding that the signage is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such a sign shall terminate immediately.
(3) Physical removal of a sign may be accomplished pursuant to the nuisance abatement ordinance of the Municipality.
(b) Relocation; Replacement.
(1) A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally relocated or replaced, unless it is brought into compliance with this chapter. Should any replacement or relocation take place without being brought into compliance, the sign shall be existing illegally.
(2) A nonconforming sign shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with the following:
A. The size and structural shape shall not be changed or altered. The copy may be changed, provided that the change applies to the original nonconforming use associated with the sign and that the change is made by the owner of the sign at the time the sign became nonconforming. The copy shall not be enlarged. Any subsequent owner or user shall bring the sign into compliance within thirty days.
B. If damage occurs to a sign to the extent of fifty percent of more of either the structure or the depreciated value of the sign, the sign shall be brought into compliance. Where damage to the sign is less than fifty percent of the structure or its depreciated value, the sign shall be repaired within sixty days.
(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)