A sign which is displayed pursuant to a building permit issued by the City, but which does not conform to current provisions, shall be deemed a legal nonconforming sign (hereinafter referred to as a nonconforming sign) and shall be governed by the following provisions:
(a) Permitted Repair and Alterations. A nonconforming sign may be painted, cleaned or repaired, as required in Section 1458.16, but shall not be otherwise altered, moved or replaced, unless it is made to conform to current provisions. Such a sign, however, may be altered to permit a change of message or a change of face if such change does not structurally alter the sign casing or support.
(b) Limitation on Reconstruction. A nonconforming sign or part thereof damaged or deteriorated to an extent exceeding fifty percent of its replacement cost shall not be reconstructed or replaced unless it is made to conform to the provisions of this Building and Housing Code. For a nonconforming sign damaged by a single incident (such as a storm), to an extent less than fifty percent of its replacement cost, reconstruction is permitted only if such work is begun within six months of the incident and completed within twelve months of the incident.
(c) Discontinuance of Use. A nonconforming sign shall be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this Building and Housing Code if the use to which the sign refers has been discontinued for a continuous and immediately preceding period of at least twelve months.
(d) Temporary Signs. All nonconforming temporary signs, including portable signs, shall be removed or made to comply with the provisions of this Building and Housing Code within thirty days after issuance of a violation notice by the City.
(e) Signs for Legal Nonconforming Uses. For legal nonconforming uses, such as a retail use in a Residential District, the applicable signage provisions shall be those most appropriate to the nature of the nonconforming use.
(Ord. 1993-135. Passed 11-1-93.)