(A) Notification of nonconformity. After the enactment of this chapter, the Administrator shall, as soon as practicable, survey the city or signs which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter. On determination that a sign is nonconforming, 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 nonconformity; and
(2) Whether the sign is eligible for characterization either as legal nonconforming 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 nonconforming. Any sign located within the city limits on the date of adoption of this chapter, or located in an area annexed to the city thereafter, which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter, is eligible for characterization as a legal nonconforming sign and is permitted, provided it also meets the following requirements:
(1) The sign was covered by a sign permit or variance on the date of adoption of this chapter if one was required under applicable law; or
(2) If no sign permit was required under applicable law for the sign in question, the sign was in all respects in compliance with applicable law on the date of adoption of this chapter.
(3) If a sign is other than one referred to in (B) (1) or (2) above, such sign shall be removed or altered to conform with this chapter not later than 90 days from the effective date of this chapter.
(C) Loss of legal nonconforming status. A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming 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 chapter than it was before the alteration; or
(2) The sign is relocated to a position making it less in compliance with the requirements of this chapter; or
(3) The sign is replaced; or
(4) On the happening of any one of (C) (1), (2), or (3) the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this chapter with a new permit secured therefor, or shall be removed.
(Ord. 81-0-8, passed 4-21-81)