Within the districts established by this chapter, or amendments
hereto, there exist lots, uses, and structures which were lawful before
this chapter was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited,
regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future
amendments. It is the intent of this chapter to permit lawful nonconforming
lots, uses and structures to continue to exist, subject to the following
controls and restrictions.
Signs in existence at the effective date of this chapter or
amendments thereto may be continued subject to the following regulations:
A. Moving. No nonconforming advertising sign, billboard, commercial
advertising structure or statuary shall be moved to another position
on the building or lot on which it is located after the effective
date of this chapter or amendment thereto.
B. Structural alterations. A nonconforming sign on a nonconforming use
may be continued, but the area of such sign or signs shall not be
increased and such sign or signs shall not be structurally altered.
C. Damage or destruction. In the event that any nonconforming advertising sign, billboard, commercial advertising structure or statuary is damaged to the extent of 25% of its cost of replacement at the time of destruction, such sign shall not be restored or replaced except as permitted in Article
VI, Signs, of this chapter.
D. Whenever any use of building or structure or land or of a combination
of buildings, structures and land ceases, all signs accessory to such
use shall be deemed to become nonconforming and shall be removed within
six calendar months.