Existing signs which were lawful at the time, but made nonconforming by adoption or amendment to this Code, shall be legal provided they are maintained in good condition. Nothing in this Code shall prohibit the ordinary maintenance, repair or refurbishment of a nonconforming sign or replacement of a broken part of a nonconforming sign, including replacement and upgrade of Electronic Message Center/electronic technology. Replacement of copy, content or message may be considered ordinary maintenance.

(a)   A legal nonconforming sign shall not be:

(1)   Changed to another type of nonconforming sign, except that conversion of changeable copy signs to electronic message center signage shall not be considered a change in sign type;

(2)   Physically changed or structurally altered to increase the square footage or height, however, the shape can be changed;

(3)   Continued after more than 12 months of abandonment or vacancy of the property;

(4)   Re-established in a different location on the lot;

(b)   In the event that any existing nonconforming sign, as provided for in this section, is damaged by acts outside of the control of the property owner to an extent of 50 percent or more of the replacement, restoration or reconstruction value of the sign, or 50 percent of the square footage of the sign copy area, said sign shall not be replaced, restored or reconstructed unless it is brought into full compliance with the provisions of these regulations. Any nonconforming sign which remains damaged or in disrepair, regardless of the percentage of construction (or damage) value or area of square footage which is damaged, for a period of three months following the date of damage without the issuance of a valid sign permit, shall not be replaced, restored or reconstructed unless it is brought into full compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.

(Code 2020)