Any sign existing as of the date of passage of this amendment which is not in conformity with the provisions of this amendment and other applicable ordinances, shall be deemed a nonconforming sign. Except as otherwise specifically addressed by this chapter, nonconforming signs existing on the date of passage of this amendment shall be allowed to remain in existence subject to the following provisions:
(A) At such time as any nonconforming sign receives structural damage from any source whatsoever, whether accidental, an act of God, or otherwise, and such damage amounts to at least 50% of the sign’s supporting , the sign must be replaced with a conforming sign. For the purposes of this subsection, damage to the face of the sign which does not otherwise damage the supporting of the sign shall NOT require the sign to be replaced; however, the sign area shall not increase beyond what was originally in place. No additional lighting shall be added to any such sign.
(B) If the principal use of the property changes, any nonconforming signage must be replaced by conforming signage or removed from the premises prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(C) If an existing building is vacant for more than 180 days without the intent to reestablish the previous use, any nonconforming signage must be replaced by conforming signage or removed from the premises prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005; Am. Ord. 2022-O6, passed 4-11-2022)