Any sign which exists on the effective date of these regulations, and which does not conform to the specified provisions shall be regarded as a non-conforming sign which may be continued for an indefinite period subject to the following provisions:
(a) All non-conforming signs shall be kept in good repair and be maintained in safe conditions.
(b) A non-conforming sign shall not be altered, modified, relocated or reconstructed except as follows:
(1) When such alteration, modification, relocation or reconstruction would bring such sign into conformity with these regulations;
(2) When the existing use has new ownership which results in a change in the name of the use or business on the property, and such change complies with subsection (b)(4) below; or
(3) When the space is re-occupied by a similar use and the new occupant requires no external building or site renovation, and such change complies with subsection (b)(4) below.
(4) Any alteration, modification, relocation or reconstruction permitted in this section shall be limited to the replacement of a sign panel or repainting a sign face, and does not permit changes to the structure, framing, erection or relocation of the sign unless such changes conform to subsection (b)(1) above.
(c) The message contained on non-conforming sign may be altered or changed provided that the sign is not enlarged.
(d) A non-conforming sign shall be removed upon verification that any of the following conditions have been met:
(1) Damage or deterioration has resulted in a loss of more than fifty (50) percent of the value of such non-conforming sign; or
(2) The use to which such non-conforming sign refers has been abandoned for more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days (an intent to abandon is not required as the basis for removal under this subsection); or
(3) The regulation or amendment to this Chapter which made the sign non-conforming has been in effect for ten (10) years or more; or
(4) The non-conforming sign has been altered, modified, relocated or reconstructed except as provided by this Section.
(e) A change in copy is not considered an alteration for the purposes of this section.
(f) Any permit issued for a sign under this Chapter shall require that any non-conforming sign displayed on the premises for which the permit is issued shall be modified or removed to conform to the provisions of this Chapter.
(g) Any pre-existing signs which are prohibited in this Chapter shall be removed, or altered or repaired to conformance, within sixty (60) days of the effective date of this Chapter. (Ord. 1559. Passed 4-22-13.)