A sign which is nonconforming on the effective date of this chapter which does not conform with the regulation of this chapter or a subsequent amendment, shall be deemed a nonconformity.
(A) The purpose of this chapter, in addition to providing specific standards for the design, construction and erection of every new graphic, sign, marquee, canopy, and awning 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.
(B) Any permanent sign as defined in Chapter 1242, other than a temporary sign, which is deemed to be in nonconformity, which was erected pursuant to a city permit and in place on the effective date of this chapter or any subsequent amendment thereto, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Ordinary repairs and non structural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alterations shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming signs, except those required by law to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(2) A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(3) No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign and the use thereof, is made to conform to all regulations of this chapter.
(4) 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 original cost of such sign, shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to all the regulations of this chapter, or any subsequent amendment thereto. In the event that such damage or destruction is less than 60% of the original cost of such sign, no repairs of construction shall be made unless such restoration is started within six months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion.
(5) A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for a period of 30 days, shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(6) Where the business, use or identify 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 the nonconforming sign, and the use of such sign shall thereafter conform to the regulations of this chapter.
(7) All signs rendered non conforming by the provisions of this chapter and permitted to continue shall be removed, altered or remodeled to conform to the provisions of this chapter no later than five years from the initial effective date of these sign regulations which were adopted on 2-3-98 (Ordinance 98-09).
(8) When a structure and/or use is nonconforming and the signage restrictions for the district in which it is located would cause hardship, the regulations of the district most compatible with the current and or proposed use shall be used.
(C) Any sign, graphic or numeral displayed 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 this division, may be continued provided such sign, graphic, or numeral display is maintained as originally designed and intended.
(Ord. 2003-51, passed 5-20-03)