Any otherwise lawful non-conforming sign which exists on the effective date of this subchapter may lawfully remain, subject to the following provisions.
(A) Maintenance. A non-conforming sign may be maintained by ordinary repairs.
(B) Alterations, enlargement. A non-conforming sign shall not be altered or enlarged in any way which would increase its non-conformity, except as follows.
(1) Re-facing the sign to change the name of the business is permitted.
(2) Enlargement of a sign is permitted; provided that, the enlargement complies with the allowable sign area and sign illumination regulations of this subchapter.
(C) Relocation. A non-conforming sign shall not be moved unless, after relocation, it will conform to all of the regulations of this subchapter.
(D) Reconstruction.
(1) A non-conforming sign which is destroyed by any means shall not be reconstructed unless, after reconstruction, the sign will conform to all applicable regulations of this subchapter. Exception: a non-conforming sign which is destroyed by any means shall not be reconstructed if the Zoning Administrator determines that the cost of such reconstruction exceeds 50% of the sign’s replacement value at the time of loss, unless, after reconstruction, the sign will conform to all applicable regulations of the district in which it is located.
(2) In the event the Zoning Administrator determines the estimated cost of reconstruction is equal to or less than 50% of the sign’s replacement value at the time of loss, repairs or reconstruction shall be permitted; provided, such work begins within six months from the date the damage occurred and is completed within one year after construction begins.
(3) The Zoning Administrator may require that the reconstruction cost estimate be made by a bona fide sign contractor, and that the sign’s value at the time of loss be determined by a licensed real estate appraiser.
(4) The owner of the damaged sign shall be responsible for obtaining these estimates on behalf of the Zoning Administrator.
(E) Vacant/discontinued businesses. Signs in place at vacant businesses may remain and be reused.
(F) Non-conformities under permit authority. The regulations of this subchapter shall not effect the terms of any permit issued prior to the effective date of this subchapter, or any pertinent amendment thereto; provided that, the work authorized by such permit is completed within a reasonable time.
(Prior Code, § 20-1413) (Ord. 1564, passed 2-16-2010; Ord. 1578, passed 6-7-2010; Ord. 1637, passed 3-5-2012; Ord. 1699, passed 3-17-2014)