Any nonconforming sign in the City of San Bernardino is subject to the provisions of Chapter 19.62, and the following:
A. Continuance and Maintenance. Nonconforming Signs that were legal when first installed, and which have not been modified so as to become illegal, may be continued, except as otherwise provided in this Section.
1. Nonconformity. Nonconforming Signs may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as required by Section 19.22.030(H), including reasonable and routine maintenance and repairs, provided there is no expansion of any nonconformity with the current requirements of this Chapter.
2. No Change to Physical Structure. Sign copy and face changes, nonstructural modifications, and nonstructural maintenance (e.g., painting and rust removal) are allowed so long as there is no alteration to the physical structure or support elements of the sign.
3. Illegal Signs. A sign that did not conform to law existing at the time of its erection shall be deemed an Illegal Sign and shall not be a Nonconforming Sign. The passage of time does not cure illegality from the outset.
B. Alterations and Additions to Nonconforming Signs. No Nonconforming Sign shall be moved, altered, or enlarged unless required by law or unless the moving, alteration, or enlargement will result in the elimination or substantial reduction of the sign's nonconforming features, unless otherwise allowed by an approved Iconic Sign Permit.
C. Abandonment of Nonconforming Sign. Whenever a Nonconforming Sign has been abandoned or the use of the property on which the sign is located has been discontinued for a continuous period of 24 months, the Nonconforming Sign shall be removed as provided for in State law and Section 19.22.110 of this Chapter.
D. Restoration of a Damaged Nonconforming Sign. Whenever a Nonconforming Sign that is not an approved Iconic Sign is destroyed by any cause other than intentional vandalism, such sign may be only be restored, reconstructed, altered, or repaired in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter. Whenever a Nonconforming Sign that is an approved Iconic Sign is destroyed by any cause, the Iconic Sign may be restored to display the pre-existing sign area, and the nonconforming use of the sign may be resumed, provided that restoration is started within one year of the date that the damage occurred, restoration is diligently pursued to completion, and the height of the restored sign conforms to the standards of this Chapter.
E. Building Façade Modification. If a Development Permit is issued for modifications to the exterior of a building façade, any nonconforming building signs on the façade undergoing modification shall be brought into full conformance with the provisions of this Chapter prior to approval for final occupancy.
F. Building Demolition. All Nonconforming Freestanding Signs shall be demolished or removed when the building on which they are located or associated with is demolished.
H. Exceptions.
1. Business and Professions Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, this Section shall not apply to any sign that may not be removed pursuant to the provisions of Business and Professions Code Section 5412.5 but only during the period of time that Business and Professions Code Section 5412.5 remains in force and effect.
2. Nonconforming Sign Modification Permits. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, any Nonconforming Sign that has not been abandoned and is nonconforming only because of the zone in which it is located may apply for a Nonconforming Sign Modification Permit.
(Ord. MC-1531, 06-03-20)