Any sign lawfully erected prior to January 1, 2005, that exceeds the limitations of this title shall be deemed legal, but nonconforming. Legal nonconforming signs are an accessory structure to the principal use on the lot. Legal nonconforming signs that are required to be removed for roadway widening or replacement may be replaced pursuant to section 12-4-6. Otherwise, legal nonconforming signs shall become illegal by the occurrence of the earliest of any of the following events:
A. Any modification of the sign, except for:
1. Normal maintenance necessary to retain its original appearance;
2. A change of copy or wording; or
3. Replacement or material enhancement expressly allowed by this title (including by section 12-4-5 of this chapter);
B. Removal of the sign, except for when done for purposes of normal maintenance, in which case the sign must be replaced within fourteen (14) calendar days after removal for maintenance;
C. Destruction, remodeling, repair or other construction related to the sign or of the building having a business subject to advertising on said sign caused by deterioration, fire, calamity or other event, to an extent that the cost of said remodeling, repair or other construction work exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the original cost (adjusting for inflation) of said building or sign subject of such work;
D. A change of an occupancy classification of use is made, as defined in the city building code (title 10, chapter 1), in the building and which change results in a materially higher intensity of use on the lot or in the building above that which legally existed on or before September 1, 2005; or
E. Abandonment for a time period of twelve (12) months or more. For purposes of this chapter, abandonment means failure to maintain a current advertisement or message. (2001 Code § 89-6-1109; amd. 2009 Code; Ord. 17-47, 8-9-2017; Ord. 22-33, 7-27-2022)