If at the time of the adoption of the Bethany Beach Sign Ordinance,
any signs that are being used in a manner or for a purpose that was
otherwise lawful, but does not conform to the provisions of the Bethany
Beach Sign Ordinance, shall be considered to be nonconforming legal
signs.
Such signs may continue only in the manner and to the extent that
it existed at the time of the adoption, amendment or extension of
the Bethany Beach Sign Ordinance.
All legal nonconforming signs shall be subject to all requirements
of the Bethany Beach Sign Ordinance regarding safety, maintenance
and repair. Nonconforming legal signs shall be maintained in good
condition, including nonstructural repairs and incidental alterations
or copy alterations, such as repainting, which do not extend or intensify
the nonconforming features of the sign.
In the event legal nonconforming signs are not in above-said condition
or are demolished and/or destroyed by any force whatsoever to the
extent of 50% or more of the fair market value of the sign structure,
such legal nonconforming signs shall then be made to conform to the
Bethany Beach Sign Ordinance for the zoning district in which the
sign is located. The fair market value shall be certified by the Building
Inspector or his/her designee as to the depreciated replacement value
of the sign.
A legal nonconforming sign for a nonconforming use that is discontinued
for a period exceeding 12 months, or is superseded by a conforming
use, shall be considered a prohibited sign and shall be removed or
brought into conformance upon establishment of a conforming use.