§ 24-9. Nonconforming signs.

(a)

A nonconforming sign shall not be repaired, altered, reconstructed, relocated, or expanded in any manner unless or until the sign is made to conform with the provisions of this chapter. Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs which will not increase the normal life of the sign which are required for safety purposes will be permitted. Structural alterations to a nonconforming sign are prohibited.

(b)

Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this chapter, in the event a change in the ownership or name of the business identified or advertised by a nonconforming sign necessitates the replacement of a sign face, the nonconforming sign may be altered by either repainting the sign face or replacing one or more removable panels on the sign without first making the entire sign conform with the provisions of this chapter. Nothing contained herein shall extend or alter the applicable period of time within which the nonconforming sign must be made to conform to the provisions of this chapter.

(c)

If the use of a nonconforming sign is discontinued for more than six months, it shall be made to conform with the provisions of this chapter or shall be removed.

(d)

An inventory of nonconforming signs shall be prepared within two months of adoption of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived. Owners of property on which nonconforming signs are located shall be notified by certified mail within six months of adoption of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived stating the time they shall have to bring their signs into conformance.

(e)

Businesses with nonconforming signs which have been a part of the community for decades and these businesses remain in their original families will be exempted from subsection (d) of this section. If the business is sold or changes owners outside of the original family, then subsections (a) through (d) of this section will apply to the new owners. Businesses that are exempt are as follows: Manley Pharmacy, Karp's Bowling Bar, Bader Brothers, and Bender Insurance.

(f)

The zoning administrator or code enforcement officer may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter. He shall give 30 days' notice in writing by certified mail to the owner of such sign, or of the building, structure or premises on which such sign is located, to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance. In the case of all types of temporary signs, as defined in section 24-6, the zoning administrator or code enforcement officer shall, due to the duration of use, give 24 hours' notice, verbally or in writing, to the owner of such sign or of the building, structure or premises on which such sign is located, to remove or bring into compliance such sign after required notice has been given. The zoning administrator or code enforcement officer may remove and store such sign at its owner's expense. The zoning administrator or code enforcement officer may order the immediate removal of or remove any sign immediately and without notice if, in his opinion, the condition or location of the sign is such as to present a clear and immediate threat to public safety.

(g)

A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the zoning administrator shall give the owner 15 days' written notice by certified mail to remove it. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the zoning administrator or his duly authorized representative may remove the sign at cost to the owner.

(h)

When a successor to a defunct business agrees to maintain the signs as provided in this chapter, this removal requirement shall not apply.

(Ord. No. 43, § 10, 7-13-1998; Ord. No. 43A, § 10, 6-14-2004)