Section 23-3 Nonconforming signs--Amortization

(b) Nonconforming signs which become deteriorated or dilapidated to the extend of over sixty (60) percent of the physical value they would have if they had been maintained in good repair must be removed within sixty (60) days. Nonconforming signs which are damaged to the extent of sixty (60) percent or less of their physical value must be repaired within sixty (60) days from date of notification, or removed. Nonconforming signs which are damaged, other than by vandalism, to the extent of over sixty (60) percent of their physical value must be removed within sixty (60) days of receiving such damage or brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Nonconforming signs which are damaged by vandalism to the extent of over sixty (60) percent of their physical value must be restored within sixty (60) days or removed or brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(e) A nonconforming sign may not be relocated except when such relocation brings the sign into compliance with this chapter. Nonconforming signs which are relocated in violation of this section must be removed.

(f) Freestanding signs lawfully in existence on January 6, 1992, including freestanding signs existing pursuant to variances granted by the board of adjustment, which do not conform with the provisions of this chapter shall be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with the provisions of this Chapter no later than January 1, 2007. This subsection does not apply to billboards which were lawfully erected.

(h) On-premise wall, canopy and awning signs lawfully in existence on December 20, 1993, including such signs existing pursuant to variances granted by the board of adjustment, which do not conform with the provisions of this chapter shall be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter no later than December 20, 2008.

(i) On-premise wall, canopy and awning signs in the Central Business District that were lawful conforming signs on February 19, 2007 but that do not conform with the provisions of section 23-12 shall be allowed to remain in place as lawful nonconforming uses until structurally altered or replaced through the sign permitting process. Ordinary replacement of sign messages, including replacement of sign panels and repainting of signs, and other alterations not requiring the use of the sign permitting process are permitted alterations provided the activity does not increase the extent of nonconformity. Lawful nonconforming signs in the Central Business District that were installed before 1956 that are deteriorated or damaged to any extent may be restored to their original condition. Any such sign that is destroyed may be replaced with a sign substantially the same as the original sign.