§ 20-32. Nonconforming signs.

(a)

Signs lawfully existing on the date of adoption of the ordinance from which this article derives, which do not conform to the provisions of this article shall be deemed to be legal nonconforming "grandfathered" signs and may remain, except as otherwise specifically qualified in this article. Such signs shall not be enlarged, extended, structurally reconstructed, replaced or altered in any manner; except a sign face may be changed so long as the new sign face does not increase either height or sign area. This provision shall not have the effect of excusing any violation of any other ordinance, nor shall this provision have the effect of permitting the continued existence of any unsafe sign or any sign that is not in good state of repair.

(b)

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent keeping in good repair a nonconforming sign. No repairs other than minor maintenance and upkeep of nonconforming signs shall be permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this article. A nonconforming sign which has been declared by the city to be unsafe because of its physical condition shall not be repaired, rebuilt or restored unless such repair or restoration will result in a sign which conforms to all applicable provisions of this article.

(c)

A nonconforming sign shall not be moved for any distance on the same lot or to another lot unless such change in location will make the sign conform to the provisions of this article, and meet permit requirements of this article.

(d)

If a nonconforming sign is removed or discontinued for any period of time, except for normal maintenance and repair, as defined in this article, or for maintenance of a building if such sign is attached to a building, the subsequent erection of a sign shall be in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(e)

A nonconforming sign which is changed to or replaced by a conforming sign shall no longer be deemed nonconforming, and thereafter such sign shall be in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(f)

Policy statement. As a consequence, when a nonconforming sign is destroyed or toppled by an act of God, weather, or whatever other means, this shall not constitute a sufficient reason for grant of a variance to re-erect the nonconforming sign.

(Ord. No. 26-12, 5-3-12)