The lawful use of a sign existing on the effective date of this chapter, although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, may be thus continued; provided, however, a nonconforming sign which has been abandoned, or the use for which it is advertised has ceased to function for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more, shall be brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
A. No nonconforming sign shall in any manner (except for face changes) be structurally altered, reconstructed, or moved without being made to comply with the provisions of this chapter; however, nothing herein shall prohibit the painting, maintenance, or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing of copy.
B. If, at any time, any sign in existence or maintained on the effective date of this chapter, which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, is destroyed by fire, accident, explosion or act of nature to the extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value thereof, such sign shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, the value of any sign shall be the estimated cost of replacement of the sign in kind as determined by the chief building official.
C. The chief building official or his/her designee shall immediately cause the removal of any sign which, in the judgment of the Community Development Director or the Public Works Director is found to be within the public right-of-way and/or easements and is found to place citizens in immediate peril, by any or a combination of the following methods using sound judgment under the circumstances:
1. Removal or modification of said sign by City staff with business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) to be billed for time and materials.
2. Notification orally or in writing to the business owner causing the removal of said signs within a twenty four (24) hour period or lesser period of time, as prescribed by the chief building official.
3. Immediate citation of the business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) or party responsible for said sign.
D. Any business that has ceased operations for at least thirty (30) days shall remove all temporary signs and all window signs. (Ord. 2013-006, 1-14-2014)