(A) Nonconforming signs. Every lawful nonconforming sign shall be discontinued and removed, or changed to a conforming sign, within a period of two years from the effective date of this chapter, provided that the signs, at the effective date of this chapter, are maintained in connection with and upon the same lot as a lawful nonconforming use. They may be repaired or replaced with signs similar in size and character, but may not be enlarged or otherwise altered, or may the illumination or lack of illumination thereof be changed.
(B) Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures. Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures shall be removed or made conforming within two years of the date the sign became nonconforming provided, that:
(1) Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures attached to and parallel to walls, freestanding and parallel, to any part of which are within three feet of a wall may continue in existence, be rebuilt or maintained, but not enlarged or increased in height.
(2) Nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures which are freestanding may continue in existence, be rebuilt or maintained, but not enlarged or increased in height provided that such structures shall be limited to:
(a) A maximum of 300 square feet of display space in CB Districts (back-to-back three hundred square feet display areas shall be permitted).
(b) A maximum of 600 square feet of display in all industrial zones, provided, that outdoor advertising sign structures which are currently in existence but which are removed and relocated to any but not less than a minimum angle of 45 degrees from grade level, and must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at new site which is in an industrial zone. Such relocated nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures shall not exceed 600 square feet in surface display or be located within 500 feet of another outdoor advertising sign structure measured along the same side of the street. Relocated nonconforming outdoor advertising sign structures shall also meet separation height and setback restrictions. The relocation of such outdoor advertising structures shall occur within no more than 24 months following their removal. Such relocated outdoor advertising sign structures shall be deemed conforming when relocated in compliance with this division (B).
(C) Removal of illegal signs.
(1) Prohibited signs or outdoor advertising sign structures shall be removed or modified within 15 days notice from the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Signs which refer to businesses no longer in existence or operation at the locations advertised shall be removed within 15 days from the effective date of discontinuance of the business at the location advertised.
(D) Administrative action — violation.
(1) Whenever it shall appear to the Zoning Administrator that any sign has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained in violation of any of the terms of this subchapter, or after a permit for a sign has been revoked or become void, or when a permit was never issued, the Zoning Administrator is empowered to issue a notice in writing to the owner or lessee of the sign, or the owner of the premises upon which the sign is erected or maintained. Such notice shall inform such person of the violation, and shall direct him or her to make such alteration, repair or removal as is necessary to secure compliance with this subchapter within a reasonable time limit as determined by the Zoning Administrator, which shall not be more than 60 days. The person receiving such notice shall comply with the terms thereof.
(2) Upon failure of the sign or outdoor advertising sign structure owner to comply with the terms of the notice of violation, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the Village Attorney to take appropriate legal action towards the person(s) named in the notice of violation.
(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)