Paso Robles Municipal Code Ch. 19.05 Nonconforming Billboards

Billboards that were not lawfully established do not have a legal right to continue as nonconforming signs unless required by state or federal law.

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)

A. The right to continue a nonconforming billboard shall terminate when it is determined to be a public nuisance pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9.06 (Nuisance Abatement) or order of a court of competent jurisdiction and the nuisance is not abated in the manner and within the time stated in the order of the city council or the order of the court. In addition to the specific grounds for finding a nuisance as set forth in Section 9.06.030 (Nuisances), a nonconforming use is a public nuisance if:

1. The use interferes with the enjoyment of life or property in the neighborhood; or

2. The use is injurious to the health of persons in the neighborhood.

B. The right to continue the use of a nonconforming structure shall terminate when the structure and/or the parcel on which it is located is determined to be a public nuisance pursuant to the provisions of Title 9 (Public Safety), Chapter 9.06 (Nuisance Abatement), or by judgment or order of a court of competent jurisdiction and the nuisance is not abated in the manner and within the time stated by the city council or order of the court. if the abatement of the nuisance requires demolition of the structure, the city council order or judgment or order of the court shall find that in fairness and in justice there is no other way reasonably to correct the nuisances other than by demolition of the structure.

C. Where it cannot be found that demolition of a structure is appropriate, the city council may permit the structure to remain in existence but may impose one or more conditions to bring the structure into conformity with the requirements of this title so far as is reasonable, in addition to any other conditions necessary to abate the public nuisance.

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)

Legally nonconforming billboards and other billboards that have the right to continue by state or federal law may continue to be used and maintained subject to the following limitations:

A. Sign copy may be changed.

B. No intensification of the billboard is permitted including, but not limited to:

1. The billboard shall not be increased in sign area, height, or any other dimension.

2. No new lighting, brighter lighting, or less shielded lighting shall be added to the billboard.

C. If the billboard is damaged by fire, earthquake, explosion, or other force majeure to an extent of more than fifty percent of the supporting structure as determined by the building official, the billboard shall only be rebuilt to conform to the present billboard development standards (Chapter 19.04) subject to the billboard review process (Chapter 19.02). In addition to the required findings for approval of a conditional use permit, findings shall also be made that restoring the billboard would not have a significant adverse effect on public safety or the existing or planned visual character of the neighborhood, and/or if other factors indicate that the goals and policies of the General Plan would be advanced by such restoration.

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)