§ 19.5  NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.
   (A)   Subject to the remainder of this section, non- conforming signs that were lawful when established may be continued.
   (B)   No non-conforming sign may be enlarged or altered in such a manner as to increase the extent of the non-conformity nor may illumination be added to any non-conforming sign.
   (C)   A non-conforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with this zoning code.
   (D)   Restoration of a damaged sign may be accomplished in accordance with § 19.8.
   (E)   The message of a non-conforming sign may be changed so long as this does not create any new non-conformities (for example, by creating an off-premise sign where such sign would not be allowed).
   (F)   Routine maintenance and repairs may be done so long as the cost of such work does not exceed 50% of the value of such sign within any 12-month period.
   (G)   If a non-conforming sign advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that has not been offered or conducted for a period of six months, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed within 30 days after such abandonment. If the business is resumed following the abandonment, all signs shall conform to this zoning code.
   (H)   If a non-conforming billboard remains blank for a continuous period of 180 days, that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall be removed within 30 days after such abandonment. For the purpose of this section, a sign is blank if:
      (1)   It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted;
      (2)   The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or substantial part; or
      (3)   The advertising copy paid for by a party other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed.
(Ord. 2012-04, passed 12-5-2012)