§ 612. Nonconforming Signs and Uses.

612.1.   Continued Existence.

Nonconforming signs may continue to be displayed until the end of their useful life, subject to the following additional requirements:

A.

Any sign not in conformance with the provisions of this Code, including legal nonconforming signs, shall be required to be brought into compliance at any time that a substantial improvement is made to the sign.

B.

Nonconforming status shall not be afforded to any sign that was erected without the county, state, or federal agency required permits or on to any signs which have been illegally installed, constructed, placed, modified, or maintained.

C.

Permitted alterations to nonconforming signs shall be limited to message changes on permanent on-site and off-site outdoor advertising signs and changeable copy signs, non-substantial repairs and other alterations which do not enlarge or prolong the life of the sign.

D.

The prohibited alterations to a nonconforming sign unless the sign is brought into conformity with this Code are: increases in sign area; re-erection or relocation of the sign; alterations which prolong the life of the sign; conversion to another sign type or function type.

E.

Any sign rendered nonconforming as a result of eminent domain or the threat of eminent domain shall not be required to be removed or relocated unless deemed a safety hazard by the Department Director.

612.2.   Replacement.

Nonconforming uses shall be allowed to replace existing signage with signage of the same height, area, location and dimension.