(a) General. A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be any sign or sign structure which, on the effective date of this article, was lawfully maintained and situated and which would be permitted under this ordinance only with a sign permit but which sign or sign structure does not conform to the provisions of this article.
(b) Continuance of Nonconforming Signs or Sign Structures.
(1) Subject to the termination hereafter provided, any nonconforming sign or sign structure may be continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of this article. An existing nonconforming sign, made nonconforming by adoption of this ordinance, may remain in place and be maintained provided that no action is taken which increases the degree or extent of nonconformity. A change in the information on the face of an existing nonconforming sign is allowed, as detailed in subsection (b)(2) hereof. However, any nonconforming sign shall be either eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this section when any proposed change, repair, or maintenance would constitute an expense of more than 25 percent of the lesser of the original value or replacement value of the sign.
(2) No such sign or sign structure shall be replaced, enlarged, extended or structurally altered, except that if the Building Inspector certifies that the sign structure is safe, secure, well maintained and not in danger of falling, the face of a nonconforming sign may be changed or replaced but not enlarged, extended or structurally altered:
A. To conform a change in the logo of a business. For purposes of this subsection, "logo" means the symbol, lettering, mark or illustration, which identifies the business or service being conducted on the premises;
B. To conform to a change in the name of a business where such change is caused by the order of a judicial or administrative agency of the State of West Virginia or United States of America;
C. To reflect the addition or deletion of members of a business or professional partnership or corporation;
D. To provide for the complete change in any business being conducted on the premises provided the sign is affixed to a sign structure which was erected prior to the effective date of this article.
(c) Abandonment of a nonconforming sign or sign structure shall terminate immediately the right to maintain such nonconforming sign or sign structure, and such sign or sign structure shall be considered abandoned when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises or when such sign structure is damaged or destroyed or becomes unsafe or a hazard to the public.