§ 19.1-15. Non-conforming signs.

(a)

Non-conforming signs which met all legal requirements when erected may stay in place, provided that within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this article the owner of the non-conforming sign or the owner's agent registers the sign with the city. Such registration shall contain the information listed in subsection 19.1-4(a) and shall specify the sign being registered as non-conforming and shall state that the sign was completely installed before the effective date of this article. The payment of a fee is not required for the registration of a non-conforming sign; however, failure to register shall be considered an offense and may be punished as any other ordinance violation. Non-conforming signs shall be permitted until one (1) of the following conditions occurs:

(1)

The deterioration of the sign or damage to the sign makes it a hazard or unsightly; or

(2)

The sign has been damaged by circumstances beyond the control of the owner to the extent that more than minor repairs are required to restore the sign; provided that signs damaged by Act of God and not due to the owner's action may be restored to their pre-damaged condition, provided that the useful life of the signs is not extended.

(b)

No changes in shape, size or design or structural repairs except those permitted pursuant to subsection (a)(2) above shall be permitted, except to make a non-conforming sign comply with all requirements of this article.

(c)

A non-conforming sign may not be replaced by another non-conforming sign except where changed conditions beyond the control of the owner render the sign non-conforming or warrant the sign's repair.

(Ord. No. 09-06A, § 15, 5-28-09)