Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 19 — ZONING›Chapter 19.25 — SIGNS
Commerce Municipal Code Div. 3 Nonconforming Signs
Commerce Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Commerce
Cite as: Commerce Municipal Code Division 3 · Text as of 2026-10-04
19.25.180 - Intent.¶
It is the intent of this Division 3 to recognize that the eventual elimination of existing on-site signs that do not conform to the provisions of this Chapter 19.25 is as important to the citywide aesthetic and health, safety, and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this chapter. It is also recognized that nonconforming signs should be eliminated in a manner that avoids an unreasonable invasion of established property rights.
(Ord. 544 § 1(part), 2000).
19.25.190 - Nonconforming signs—General.¶
Nonconforming signs shall not be altered, moved, or reconstructed in any way unless done so in a manner to comply with all the applicable standards of this Title 19.
(Ord. 544 § 1(part), 2000).
19.25.200 - Continuation and maintenance.¶
A. A sign, lawfully occupying a site, that does not conform with the sign regulations for the zone in which the sign is located shall be deemed to be a nonconforming sign and may not be altered, moved, expanded or enlarged, structurally altered to extend the useful life of the sign, or reconstructed unless made to comply with the standards of this Chapter 19.25.
B. Any nonconforming sign may be continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Title 19.
(Ord. 544 § 1(part), 2000).
19.25.210 - Permitted change in copy.¶
The copy on a nonconforming sign may be changed prior to the scheduled date of elimination by issuance of a permit. Such change may not create a new nonconforming sign or increase the discrepancy between the existing nonconformity and the regulations.
(Ord. 544 § 1(part), 2000).
19.25.220 - Amortization schedule.¶
All nonconforming on-site signs shall be discontinued, removed from their sites, altered to conform to the requirements of this Chapter 19.25, or altered as prescribed to decrease the degree of nonconformity within the time schedules specified in Table 19.25.220A.
Table 19.25.220A Nonconforming On-site Sign Elimination Schedule
| Description of Nonconforming On-site Sign | Elimination Schedule |
|---|---|
| 1. Lighting or movement nonconformity, any zone | Within 6 months of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
| 2. Painted on wall, any zone | Within 1 year of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
| 3. Any other nonconforming on-site sign located in a residential zone | Within 1 year of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
| 4. All other nonconforming on-site signs | Within 3 years of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
(Ord. 544 § 1(part), 2000).
19.25.230 - Abatement of illegal signs within public rights-of-way.¶
A. If it is determined that a sign is illegally placed on public property, public right-of-way, or public easements, the city shall notify the owner to remove the sign within forty-eight hours or be billed for the costs of removal. If immediate action is necessitated for public safety considerations, the city shall remove the sign, and the sign owner shall be billed for the costs of removal.
B. The owner of a sign which has been removed by the city may request a hearing to determine whether the sign was in fact illegally located on public property. The request for a hearing shall be made within forty-eight hours from the date of removal.
C. If the owner of a sign fails to make a request for a hearing and no demand is made for the return of the sign within ten days of the date of removal, then the city is authorized to destroy or dispose of the sign.
(Ord. 544 § 1(part), 2000).
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