(A) For the purpose of this section a NONCONFORMING SIGN is any sign which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter but was lawfully erected and which was lawfully in existence and in use on May 1, 1986.
(B) A nonconforming sign shall not be replaced, altered, reconstructed, relocated or expanded in any manner unless it is made to conform with all the provisions of this chapter, except as follows:
(1) Other nonconforming signs on the same property need not be made to conform as a result.
(2) Change in copy shall be permitted if no structural changes in the sign are necessary except that no change in copy shall be permitted for nonconforming painted wall signs.
(3) Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs which will not increase the normal life of the sign and which are required for safety purposes shall be permitted. Structural alterations to a nonconforming sign are prohibited unless they are made to conform to all requirements of the city code.
(C) If the use identified by a nonconforming sign is abandoned for a period of 90 days, the sign shall be removed unless it is made to conform to the provisions of this chapter. If such sign is not made to conform or if it is not removed within 120 days from the time the use is abandoned, it shall thereafter be unlawful. ABANDONED, as used in this division, shall mean cessation of operation or change of use. ABANDONED shall not mean an ownership change or a name change as long as there is not cessation of the operation for longer than 90 days and the use is not changed.
(`67 Code, § 10-19-4) (Am. Ord. 2020-001, passed 1-28-20)