9.5 Nonconforming Signs

Nonconforming Sign - Any sign which has a valid permit, was erected or displayed prior to the effective date of this article or any subsequent amendment hereto and does not conform with any provision of this article.

A. Nonconforming Signs

  1. Any sign constructed after the adoption date (January 28, 2003) of this article and which is found to exist in violation of this article shall be declared to be illegally nonconforming and shall be removed after 30 days' notice. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign during the permitted time, then the City or independent contractor secured by the City shall remove the sign and the ensuing charges shall be assessed to the owner or lessee.
  2. A nonconforming sign shall not be changed or replaced with another nonconforming sign, including changing the sign face, except for changeable copy signs.
  3. An existing nonconforming sign cannot be modified in any way aside from routine maintenance without bringing the sign into conformity with this section subject to the exemptions outlined in paragraphs (4) and (5).
  4. Signs not in conformance with the requirements of this section shall be altered, removed, or otherwise made to conform with this section by May 22, 2007. Signs permitted between February 19, 1998 and the date of adoption of this UDO, which meet the requirements of Ordinance O-18-98, shall be exempt from the provisions of this paragraph.
  5. Any existing sign not meeting the requirements of this UDO shall be brought into compliance with this UDO before a business license will be issued for a new resident business. Any existing sign not meeting the requirements of this UDO shall be brought into compliance with this section before a business name can be changed.
  6. Temporary nonconforming signs having obtained a sign permit before the adoption date of this UDO, shall be permitted to remain for the life of the permit.
  7. Signs on awnings or canopies shall be removed when the tenant vacates the building.
  8. Nonconforming supports and brackets and unused signs must be completely removed before a new sign is installed. Any holes in the building must be appropriately patched.