All permanent signs that were legally installed prior to the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter and that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed to remain as legal, nonconforming signs until such signs are removed, structurally or electrically altered, or moved. Signs being retrofitted to increase energy efficiency shall not be considered electrically altered as long as scope of work is within existing cabinet. Retrofitting cannot expand the cabinet's size or visually alter its structure. Signs not requiring a permit as provided in FMC 16.09.010 shall not be considered nonconforming signs.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2004 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019)
The owner of any nonconforming sign shall maintain such sign in good condition and repair. The sign can remain on display; provided that the sign shall not be changed or altered in any manner that would increase the degree of its nonconformity. The sign shall not be changed to another nonconforming sign, be expanded, structurally altered or moved to any other location where it would remain nonconforming. Changing easily replaceable sign faces and letters shall not be considered modification of a nonconforming sign.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003)
Upon the closure and vacation of a business or activity, the owner of the business or activity shall have 30 days from the date of closure to remove all signs or sign panels relating to the business or activity. Sign panels may be turned around in the sign casing if appropriate. If the owner of the business or activity fails to remove or reverse the signs within the designated time limit, the owner of the property where the signs are located shall remove or reverse the signs. If the owner of the property where the signs are located fails to remove or reverse the signs within 30 days, then the community development director may issue a notice of sign code violation.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003)