§ 13-19. Nonconforming signs.
All nonconforming on-premises signs existing on the effective date of this amendment may remain in place.
(a)
No on-premises nonconforming sign shall be structurally altered so as to change the shape, size, type, or design of the sign, nor shall any nonconforming sign be relocated, except to bring it into compliance with this chapter.
(b)
No on-premises nonconforming sign shall be allowed to remain after the activity, business or use to which it relates has been discontinued for a period of 90 days.
(c)
If an on-premises nonconforming sign is damaged in such a manner that the estimated expense of repairs exceeds 50 percent of its replacement value, the sign shall not be allowed to remain or be repaired and must be removed.
All on-premises ground or pole signs existing at the time that this provision becomes effective shall not be considered to be nonconforming if the only requirement that they do not meet is the required ten-foot setback from the right-of-way.
All billboard signs that do not meet the requirements of this chapter are nonconforming off-premises signs and, thus, do not meet the purposes of this chapter. This means that they adversely impact the public health, welfare, and general safety because they adversely impact traffic safety; adversely impact community appearance; and detract from the character of the area, particularly the natural resources, in which such signs and billboards are located.
Because these conditions cannot be allowed to continue to adversely impact the public health, welfare, and general safety, all billboard signs existing on the effective date of this chapter may remain in place, and be maintained for six years after the effective date of this chapter, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
No nonconforming sign shall be structurally altered so as to change the shape, size, type, or design of the sign, nor shall any nonconforming sign be relocated, except to bring it into compliance with this chapter.
(b)
No nonconforming sign shall be allowed to remain after the activity, business or use to which it relates has been discontinued for a period of 90 days.
(c)
If a nonconforming sign is damaged in such a manner that the estimated expense of repairs exceeds 50 percent of its replacement value, the sign shall not be allowed to remain or be repaired and must be removed.
Within six years after the effective date of this chapter, all nonconforming billboard signs shall be removed or brought into compliance, unless such time is extended pursuant to the following requirements:
(a)
The owner of any nonconforming sign shall have the right, within six years from and after the effective date of this chapter to make application to the zoning board of adjustment for an extension of the time within which such sign may be permitted to remain.
(b)
If such sign is nonconforming only as to its specific location on the premises, and can be removed or relocated so as to conform with the requirements of the section, then the time shall not be extended.
(Ord. of 1-13-14(1))
Cross reference
Nonconforming signs, App. C, § 2113.