Fontana Municipal Code Div. 11 Nonconforming Signs

This division applies to any permanent or temporary sign, including its physical structure and supporting elements, which was lawfully erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation, but which does not currently comply with the provisions of this article. This division shall not apply to any legal signs made nonconforming by action of the City to widen a right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

The following modifications and maintenance to nonconforming signs are allowed:

(1) A nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as required by this article, unless provided otherwise in this division.

(2) Sign copy and face changes, nonstructural modifications, and nonstructural maintenance (e.g., painting and rust removal) are allowed.

(3) Nonconforming signs may be altered or reconstructed so as to decrease the discrepancy between existing conditions and current standards for sign area, height, setback, or other standards, provided such alteration or reconstruction does not increase the sign area or height or encroach into a required sign setback area.

(4) A nonconforming sign may be restored to its original condition if 50 percent or less of the replacement value of the sign is damaged due to force majeure, fire, or vandalism, or an accident; provided that the restoration is started within 90 days of the damage occurring and is diligently pursued to completion. A nonconforming sign is deemed to be more than 50 percent damaged if the estimated cost of reconstruction or repair exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost as determined by the Building Official.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

A nonconforming sign shall not be:

(1) Changed to another nonconforming sign;

(2) Altered unless required by law or unless the alteration results in the reduction or elimination of the nonconformity;

(3) Enlarged; or

(4) Moved or replaced, unless required to accommodate street widening or other City projects.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

A nonconforming sign shall be removed or modified to comply with this article if the following occurs:

(1) Any modifications prohibited by Section 30-776 are made to the sign;

(2) The sign is temporary;

(3) The sign is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe;

(4) The sign constitutes a traffic hazard not created by the relocation of streets or by acts of the City;

(5) The building on which the nonconforming sign is located is demolished; or

(6) The nonconforming sign has been abandoned or the use of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located has been discontinued for a continuous period of 12 months.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

This division shall not apply to any sign that may not be removed pursuant to the provisions of Business and Professions Code Section 5412.5 but only during the period of time that Business and Professions Code Section 5412.5 remains in force and effect.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)