Any sign existing on the date of adoption of this chapter that does not conform with the provisions of this Code is eligible for characterization as a "legal nonconforming sign" and is permitted to remain except as specified below.
(a) The sign has been altered in a fashion exceeding the allowed maintenance standards in subsection (d) below or relocated.
(b) The sign has been brought into compliance with this subchapter.
(c) The sign is abandoned.
(d) Nonconforming signs may be maintained, altered, modified, or reconstructed provided that such changes do not increase the overall sign area or height. Nonconforming signs or portions thereof may be removed for maintenance, modifications, or reconstruction so long as they are replaced in their original positions and orientations upon completion of the work. The alteration of a sign via the addition of changeable copy or the addition of an electronic message center shall not constitute a change to the sign structure so long as the overall sign area is not enlarged; a new sign permit will be required for inspection purposes.
(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.57.090) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 37-87, passed 6-1-1987; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013)