Any sign or sign structure lawfully existing prior to the effective date of this chapter, whether on-site or off-site, and not meeting the standards and requirements specified herein, shall be considered nonconforming and be subject to the following provisions.
(A) Continuance. The lawful use of any nonconforming sign or sign structure may be continued indefinitely, provided, however, that any addition, enlargement or other alteration which would increase the degree of nonconformity shall be prohibited. Any nonconforming sign or sign structure which is abandoned for a period exceeding one year shall be subject to the requirements of § 154-17.05(E) of this chapter pertaining to removal of abandoned signage.
(B) Repairs and alterations. Repairs and alterations which do not increase the degree of nonconformity shall be permitted, except that if any sign or structure is damaged or has deteriorated to an extent that the cost of repair equals 50% of its replacement value if sound, or if the cost of alteration exceeds 50% of the replacement value, it shall either be rebuilt or replaced in conformance with the standards and requirements of this chapter, or be removed altogether.
(C) Replacement of on-site signage. At such time as the name of an activity changes, any nonconforming on-site signage related to such activity shall either be replaced or modified to meet the requirements of this chapter, unless such signage was previously constructed with interchangeable panels, letters or copy. An act of maintenance or repair, or repainting a previously painted sign face, or repapering a previously papered sign or other similar manner of changing a sign face, none of which would increase the degree of nonconformity, shall not be deemed as replacement hereunder, and shall be permitted.
(Ord. O2010-32, passed 7-7-2010)