(a) Notification of non-conformity. After the enactment of this Code, the Administrator shall as soon as practicable survey the City for signs which do not conform to the requirements of this Code. Upon determination that a sign is non-conforming, the Administrator shall use reasonable efforts to so notify either personally or in writing the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located of the following:
(1) The sign's non-conformity; and
(2) Whether the sign is eligible for characterization either as legal non-conforming or unlawful. Failing determination of the sign owner, user or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the notice may be affixed in a conspicuous place to the sign or to the business premises with which the sign is associated.
(b) Signs eligible for characterization as legal non- conforming. Any sign located within the City limits on the date of adoption of this Code, or located in an area annexed to the City thereafter, which does not conform with the provisions of this Code, is eligible for characterization as a legal non-conforming sign.
(c) Loss of legal non-conforming status. A legal non- conforming sign shall immediately lose its legal non-conforming designation if:
(1) The sign is altered in any way in structure, or copy (except for changeable copy signs and normal maintenance), which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this Code than it was before the alterations; or
(2) The sign structure is relocated to a position making it less in compliance with the requirements of this Code; or
(3) Damage to a sign and/or sign structure, due to an act of God or vehicular damage, which requires repairs in excess of thirty percent of value of same; or
(4) A valid sign permit was never obtained prior to installation of said sign; or
(5) The sign and/or the sign structure is no longer maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Sign Code.
(6) On the happening of any paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with the Code with a new permit secured therefor, or shall be removed.
(Ord. 457-17. Passed 10-31-17.)