It is the declared purpose of this division that nonconforming signs and signs directing attention to nonconforming uses, eventually discontinue and the signage comply with the regulations stated herein, having due regard for the investment in such signs. Any sign that does not conform to the regulations stated herein shall be deemed a nonconforming sign. Any lawfully existing nonconforming use or building may erect and maintain a sign in accordance with the schedule of on-premises signs contained in section 84-232 of this article and other applicable sections of this chapter regardless of the zoning district in which the use the sign serves is located.
(Ordinance 1861, § 1, 8-25-09)
Any permanent nonconforming sign that was lawfully erected and operated prior to the effective date of this chapter may be used and maintained exactly as such existed upon the effective date of this chapter. No lawfully existing nonconforming sign shall:
(1) 
Be changed to another nonconforming sign except as provided for by or section 84-280 of this article.
(2) 
Have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is specifically designed for periodic change of messages such as a changeable reader board or electronic message center or billboard.
(3) 
Be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign or change the shape, size, type or design of the sign.
(4) 
Be reestablished after the activity, business, or usage to which it relates has been discontinued over a period of 180 days or longer.
(5) 
Be reestablished after damage or destruction of said sign if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50 percent of the reproduction cost.
(6) 
All lawfully existing nonconforming wall signs directly painted on the elevation wall shall be required to be in compliance with the standards of section 84-232 of this article if the organization, business, company, lessee or other entity is required to apply for a renewal or new certificate of occupancy.
(Ordinance 1861, § 1, 8-25-09)
The board of adjustment may grant variances from the requirements of [section 84-232] of this article, upon application and finding that the granting of the variance will reduce the degree of nonconformity of an existing sign or will result in the removal of one or more lawfully existing nonconforming signs and replacement by sign or signs more in keeping with the spirit, purpose and provisions of this chapter. Should the board of adjustment grant a variance which permits the erection or maintenance of a nonconforming sign, said sign shall be deemed a lawfully existing nonconforming sign and shall be subject to the requirements for same stated herein.
(Ordinance 1861, § 1, 8-25-09)