Long Beach Municipal Code Div. VII Nonconforming, Abandoned and Illegal Signs and Other Provisions

It is the intent of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination of existing on-premises signs that do not conform to this chapter is as important to City-wide 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 as expeditiously and fairly as possible in a manner that avoids any unreasonable invasion of established property rights.

A. Continuation of Use. A nonconforming on-premises sign may be continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, provided that nonconforming signs shall not be:

1. Changed to another nonconforming sign; or

2. Structurally altered so as to extend the useful life of the sign; or

3. Expanded; or

4. Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign value at the time of such damage or destruction.

The copy on nonconforming signs may be changed without affecting their nonconforming status, provided the content of the new copy is consistent with the provisions of this code, and a building permit is not required to change the copy.

B. Amortization.

1. Permanent nonconforming signs shall be removed or brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter under the following circumstances:

a. Whenever the business, building, or other establishment for which the sign was emplaced is vacated, or

b. Whenever there is a change in the business license for the owner or lessee of a property on which there is a nonconforming sign(s), the nonconforming sign(s) shall be removed or brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter prior to the effective date of the new owner's or lessee's business license, or

c. Upon approval of a building or electrical permit to modify a nonconforming sign for the purpose of expanding the sign, or structurally altering it to extend its useful life, or to reestablish the sign after damage or destruction of more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign value at the time of damage or destruction, the nonconforming sign shall be brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

2. Nonconforming wall-painted signs shall be painted out, or brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter when there is a change in business ownership or lessee of the property.

3. Cabinet signs with translucent plastic faces shall be subject to the requirement to utilize a push-through-type of sign face, as specified in Subsection 21.44.120.F.3, upon replacement of the sign face or copy, or when the circumstances specified in Subsection 21.44.710.B.1 are met.

4. Historic signs shall be exempt from amortization, as provided in Section 21.44.250.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

All abandoned signs, as "abandoned sign" is defined in Section 21.15.2520, shall be removed immediately.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

All illegal signs have no vested rights and shall be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this chapter immediately.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)

Signs may be removed by the City in accordance with the following procedures:

A. Illegal or Dilapidated Signs. If the Director of Development Services, or his or her designee, finds that a sign is in violation of this chapter, or is in disrepair, defaced, deteriorated (including peeling paint), prohibited, abandoned, illegal, or is in violation of the Building Code or any other laws and ordinances, he shall seek correction of the violations as provided for in the Municipal Code, including the Administrative Citation process. The Director of Development Services shall inform the sign owner by a written notice if the sign is to be removed.

B. Safety Hazard or on Public Right-of-Way. The City Engineer, or his designee, without giving notice, shall have the authority to authorize removal of any sign which:

1. Poses an immediate threat to public safety; or

2. Is displayed in violation of the provisions of this chapter or other City ordinances on or over any public right-of-way or public property.

(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)