San Diego Municipal Code Div. 2 Review Procedures for Previously Conforming Signs

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

The purpose of these procedures is to establish controls of signs that were legally constructed but became previously conforming when regulations were changed. The intent is to protect the public and the aesthetic character of the community and to identify rights with respect to previously conforming signs. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

The following general rules apply to all previously conforming signs.

(a) Except as specified in Section 127.0202(b), any sign that was constructed,
erected, or affixed after April 5, 1973 in compliance with the Municipal Code,
and which has subsequently become previously conforming shall maintain its
previously conforming status until a proposal is made that requires a Sign
Permit for the previously conforming sign.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 127.0202(a), any sign that was constructed, erected,
or affixed in compliance with the Municipal Code and which became
previously conforming because of a rezone of the property on which the sign
is located, shall be considered previously conforming only for 7 years from
the date of the rezone. After the 7-year period has expired, any such sign is in
violation of these regulations, is subject to abatement, and shall be modified to
comply with the Land Development Code or shall be removed.

(c) Signs in existence on April 5, 1973, that were constructed, erected, affixed, or
maintained in compliance with all previous regulations but which do not
comply with applicable zone regulations enacted after April 5, 1973, were
required to be removed or brought into compliance with the Municipal Code
by May 15, 1984 or May 1, 1988, if an extension of time was granted. Any
such signs still remaining are in violation of the Land Development Code, are
subject to abatement, and shall be modified to be in compliance with the Land
Development Code or shall be removed.

Ch. Art. Div.
12 7 2 1

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews (12-2001)

(d) These previously conforming sign procedures do not apply to signs that are
designated historical resources. A sign which is a designated historical
resource is subject to Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 2 (Historical Resources
Regulations).

(e) Signs located on newly annexed properties shall be brought into compliance
with the Land Development Code or shall be removed within 5 years after the
effective date of annexation.
(Amended 6-12-2001 by O-18948 N.S.; effective 12-12-2001.)

Ch. Art. Div. 12 7 2 2

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews (6-2000)

Article 7: Previously Conforming Premises and Uses