§ 24-109. Nonconforming signs.

A.

Any sign that does not comply with the requirements of this article but which was constructed, operated, and maintained in compliance with all previous regulations, shall be regarded as a legal nonconforming use.

B.

A nonconforming sign that has been abandoned, or whose advertised use has ceased to function for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more, shall be brought into conformity or removed.

C.

The following requirements apply to the reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign.

1.

Reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign that has been demolished or destroyed shall begin within one-year and shall be completed within three (3) years.

2.

The reconstructed sign shall not exceed the original structure in regards to maximum height, size, encroachment into setbacks, and other property characteristics as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

3.

Non-conforming standard off-site signs may be converted to off-site digital signs with the approval of a minor use permit.

4.

The Zoning Administrator may approve an extension of two (2) additional years to complete reconstruction of the demolished sign.

5.

If reconstruction is not completed by the specified time limit, the property shall be deemed abandoned.

D.

The following exceptions apply to the above requirements for nonconforming signs:

1.

A sign that is part of a designated historic resource may be deemed nonconforming only if at least one (1) of the following conditions applies:

a.

The sign does not contribute to the historic significance of the historic landmark.

b.

The sign poses an immediate threat to public safety. If the sign is deemed nonconforming solely because it threatens public safety, it shall be repaired or modified, if possible, rather than removed.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13; Ord. No. 4091, § 1, 1-27-15)