§ 14.10. Legal, nonconforming signs.

Any signs lawfully existing prior to the enactment of this appendix, but which could not be erected in accordance with the provisions of this appendix shall be deemed to be a nonconforming sign and may continue in accordance with the following conditions:

A.

The sign must be properly maintained in a safe condition. No nonconforming sign shall have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is specifically designed for changeable copy. Any other changes made will be to bring the nonconforming sign into conformance with the provisions established in this appendix.

B.

No nonconfirming sign shall be allowed to remain after the activity, business or use to which it relates has been discontinued.

C.

If a nonconfirming sign is damaged in such a manner that the estimated expense of repairs exceeds fifty (50) percent of its replacement value, the sign shall not be allowed to remain and must be removed.

D.

Legal, nonconfirming signs shall be removed or modified to conform with this appendix within three (3) years from the effective date of this appendix or the building official shall cause the removal of said signs and assess the owners and/or lessees of such signs the costs of removal and storage.

E.

Illegal, nonconforming signs shall be removed forthwith by the owner or lessee or the building official shall cause the removal of said signs and assess the owners and/or lessees of such signs and cost of removal and storage.