San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Art. VIII Nonconforming Signs

Signs not compliant with this chapter which previously lawfully existed as conforming signs or legal nonconforming signs under sign regulations established by Ordinance 1455 and subsequent ordinances amending this chapter prior to 2018 shall be deemed legal nonconforming signs. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)

A. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs shall not be altered, enlarged, relocated, and/or reconstructed, and shall be removed if:

1. The nonconforming sign is more than fifty percent destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement. A nonconforming sign shall be deemed to be more than fifty percent destroyed if the estimated cost of reconstruction exceeds fifty percent of the replacement value as determined by the chief building official;

2. The nonconforming sign is located on a building that is enlarged, remodeled, or expanded, if the nonconforming sign is affected by the construction, enlargement, remodel, or expansion. An enlargement, remodel, or expansion of the portion of the building upon which the nonconforming sign is located or that is more than fifty percent of the building area shall be deemed to affect the nonconforming sign;

3. The nonconforming sign is temporary.

B. Deactivation of Flashing Features. The owner of a sign that contains flashing features shall permanently deactivate the flashing features.

C. Continuance of Nonconforming Signs. Except as provided in subsections A and B of this section, a nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as required by these regulations; provided, that it shall not be:

1. Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, although the content of the sign may be changed.

2. Structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign, except to meet safety requirements.

3. Expanded or altered in any manner that increases the degree of nonconformity.

D. Repairing and Repainting. Nonconforming signs shall only be painted and repaired in place and shall not be removed from their existing location, except as part of a building remodel, unless removal of the sign for painting or repair is part of the sign’s customary maintenance and repair. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)