§ 20.22.090. Nonconforming signs.

A.

Signs Which Are Nonconforming. Signs which were lawfully erected prior to the adoption of the ordinance herein codified which do not conform to this ordinance, as well as signs existing at the time the area wherein the sign is located is annexed, are deemed to be nonconforming, and may continue in existence provided that no nonconforming sign shall be:

1.

Changed to or replaced with another sign, unless in compliance with then current city code. Upon application to the city, the face of the sign on an existing sign that is structurally safe and for which a valid permit or nonconforming registration is on file may be changed to indicate a new owner or business provided that the change or alteration shall not result in the following:

a.

A change in the method or technology used to convey the message;

b.

An increase in the illumination of the sign;

c.

An increase in the sign face area;

d.

Structural alteration to extend its useful life;

e.

Expansion in any dimension;

f.

reestablishment of the sign after damage or destruction if the cost of repairing the sign is more than fifty percent of its replacement value at the time of such damage or destruction;

g.

Modification or relocation in any way that would increase the degree of nonconformity of such sign;

h.

Modification or additional lighting or any other enhancement.

i.

Poles may be replaced, subject to a building permit, but only if not more than one-half of the total number of poles of the sign structure are replaced in any twelve-month period and the same material is used for the replacement poles.

j.

Addition of a catwalk to the sign structure;

k.

Addition of lighting to an unilluminated sign or addition of more intense lighting to an illuminated sign, whether or not the lights are attached to the sign structure;

l.

Changing the number of poles in the sign structure;

m.

Addition of permanent bracing wires, guy wires, or other reinforcing devices;

n.

Changing the material used in the construction of the sign, such as replacing wooden material with metal material;

o.

Addition of faces to a sign or changing the sign configurations;

p.

Increase in the height of the sign;

q.

Changing the configuration of the sign structure, such as changing a "V" sign to a stacked or back-to-back sign, or a single face sign to a back-to-back sign;

r.

Moving the sign structure or sign face in any way;

2.

This provision shall not prevent repairing or maintenance of any part of a sign structure to a safe condition or performing normal maintenance operations on a sign or sign structure. The following actions are considered maintenance and are allowed without losing the legal nonconforming status of the sign:

a.

Replacement of nuts and bolts;

b.

Nailing, riveting or welding;

c.

Cleaning and painting;

d.

Manipulation of sign structure to level or plumb it;

e.

Changing the advertising message;

f.

Replacement of minor parts if the material of the minor parts are the same type as those being replaced and the basic design or structure of the sign is not altered;

g.

Changing all or part of the sign face with materials similar to those being replaced.

B.

Registration of Nonconforming Signs. Each nonconforming sign shall be registered by the owner or owners of the sign by filing a registration form with the zoning administrator. Signs without permits which were registered properly pursuant to any prior city code provision are deemed to be nonconforming.

C.

Abandonment and Termination of a Nonconforming Sign.

1.

A nonconforming sign is deemed abandoned and the right to operate a nonconforming sign shall terminate immediately if any of the following occur:

a.

The nonuse of the sign for a continuous period of one hundred twenty days or more;

b.

A portion or all of the sign is damaged or destroyed by the intentional act of the owner or his agent.

c.

Discontinuance or abandonment shall be conclusively deemed to have occurred irrespective of the intent of the property owner if the nonconforming sign is dilapidated, substandard, or is not maintained in a suitable condition during a continuous period of one hundred twenty days.

D.

A nonconforming sign shall not be moved in whole or in part from the property or within the lot in which it is located, unless every portion of such building or structure is made to conform to all regulations of the district in which it is located.

(Ord. 16653 § 2 (part), 2007)

(Ord. No. 17960, § 18, 2-19-2013)