A. This chapter shall not apply to a sign, constructed with a valid permit, existing on April 1, 1986, which does not comply with this chapter, except as provided below.
B. Change of Use: A nonconforming sign shall comply with this chapter before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy which creates a change of use.
C. Damaged or Destroyed Sign: A nonconforming sign damaged to the extent of requiring a new building permit shall be replaced with a conforming sign.
D. Relocation: A nonconforming sign shall not be relocated without compliance with this chapter.
E. Alteration: A nonconforming sign shall not be altered to the extent of requiring a new building permit without being brought into compliance with all the regulations of this chapter.
1. Exception: A freestanding sign remaining in the same location may be altered, subject to the following conditions:
a. Maximum sign area may be the greatest of:
1) That permitted in the zone;
2) Sixty-four square feet in commercial or industrial zones only; or
3) Fifty percent of the area of the nonconforming sign;
b. Maximum sign height may be the greatest of:
1) That permitted in the zone;
2) The height of the roof line of the tallest main building on the site;
c. Setback. Ten feet from the front property line;
d. All structural components and braces (such as pipes, angle iron, cables, internal or back framing) shall be concealed with a pole cover or architectural embellishment.
F. Landmark Sign. A sign erected prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be given the status of a landmark sign and shall be exempt from the regulations of this chapter if the design review committee finds it has significant cultural or historical character as a landmark.
G. Two-for-one Replacement of Billboard Support Structure. A billboard with a wooden support structure may be replaced with a metal support structure for a billboard of the same sign area provided it meets the following requirements:
1. Illumination: None;
2. Maximum height: 24 feet; and
3. A second existing billboard with a wooden support structure is removed within 30 days of the issuance of a permit for the replacement support structure.
(Ord. 2020-41, § 5 (part), 2020)