It is the intent and purpose of this chapter that, as soon as
reasonably possible, all existing signs not conforming to the provisions
of this chapter be brought into conformity with the provisions hereof,
or eliminated.
Any sign located within the Borough of Swedesboro for which
a valid sign permit has been granted, which predates any regulation
of signs in the Borough of Swedesboro but which does not meet the
requirements of this chapter, shall be considered a legal nonconforming
sign. It may continue in use until it loses its legal nonconforming
status under this chapter.
It is the intention of this chapter that preexisting nonconforming
signs be brought into conformity with this chapter at the earliest
possible date, subject to applicable law. Consequently, any alteration,
change, destruction, demolition, removal, abandonment, change of use
or ownership or other modification of a legally preexisting nonconforming
sign shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be considered
an abandonment of such legally preexisting nonconforming sign. Any
such sign shall thereafter conform to all requirements of this chapter.
A sign in existence for which a valid sign permit has been granted,
and which would meet the requirements of this chapter had it received
a waiver from the Swedesboro Zoning/Planning Board under this chapter,
shall be a conforming sign under this chapter.
In the event that a sign for which application has been made
does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, and there is
no provision in this chapter for the Swedesboro Zoning Official to
grant a waiver, or in the event that an application for a waiver has
been denied by the Swedesboro Zoning Official, that application can
only be granted by way of an application to the Swedesboro Zoning/Planning
Board for a deviation, as provided by this chapter.
