A nonconforming sign shall be construed as a projecting sign which is prohibited under Section 1341.03 and shall be governed by the following requirements:
(a) Such sign shall be maintained by way of painting, cleaning and minor repair as is required for the life of any sign. All nonconforming signs shall be completely removed without delay unless application is made within one hundred twenty days from the passage of this chapter and a nonconforming sign permit is granted.
(b) A nonconforming sign shall only be maintained or repaired in the following manner:
(1) The size and structural shape shall not be changed or altered, except to remove entire elements thereby reducing the overall size.
(2) A copy may be changed provided that the change applies only to the original business use associated with the nonconforming sign. Any change in the type of business use shall require the user to bring the sign into compliance or to remove it.
(3) In the case where damage occurs to the sign to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of replacement value, the sign shall be removed. Where the damage to the sign is less than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value, the sign shall be repaired to its original configuration within sixty days or shall be removed in its entirety.
(4) Application for nonconforming sign permits shall be submitted to the Director of Public Service and Safety and there shall be no charge for such permit.
(5) A nonconforming sign permit shall expire when the original business use associated with the sign has been discontinued for six months or when the premises are occupied by another type of business.
(Ord. 83-36. Passed 7-25-83.)