Chapter 20.64 — NONCONFORMING SIGNS

A nonconforming sign is a sign lawfully constructed and maintained prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this title, but which does not conform to the provisions of this title. This chapter is intended to limit the number and extent of nonconforming signs by prohibiting alteration or enlargement thereof so as to increase the discrepancy between existing conditions and the standards and requirements of this title and to provide for the elimination of nonconforming signs in residential districts, in compliance with state law. (Ord. 6424-NS § 1 (part), 1998)

A. A nonconforming sign shall not be altered, enlarged, relocated, and/or reconstructed except in such manner as to comply with the requirements of this Title unless the sign is a contributing element to a historic property and/or has independent historic merit, and the alteration, enlargement or relocation is necessary in order to preserve and maintain the sign.

B. A nonconforming sign may be maintained or its text or design changed without affecting its nonconforming status. (Ord. 7385-NS § 1, 2014; Ord. 7120-NS § 18, 2009; Ord. 6424-NS § 1 (part), 1998)

A nonconforming sign destroyed or damaged to the extent of seventy-five (75) percent or greater of its fair market value as of the date of such destruction or damage is not a nonconforming sign pursuant to this chapter and shall be removed or repaired to conform with all applicable provisions of this title. (Ord. 7120-NS § 19, 2009)