A. General. Every permanent sign except historic and landmark signs which, by reason of any amendment to the provisions of this chapter which occurred after the date the sign was installed, or by change of zoning district or by annexation of territory to the city, becomes in violation of or does not conform to the provisions hereof, shall be removed or altered so as to conform with the provisions of this chapter within five years from the effective date of such amendment or change unless the owner submits a written request for an extension to the city at least thirty days prior to the expiration of a five-year period from the date this ordinance was adopted (Ord. 005/2019), and the city approves the same. The city may grant up to two separate extensions for a total of two additional years.

B. Every limited duration and temporary sign must conform to the provisions of this chapter from the effective date of such amendment or change in all zones of the city.

C. Maintenance. Nonconforming signs may be maintained, repaired and repainted without permit or fee during the periods specified in subsection (A) of this section or any extensions granted under subsection (E) of this section, but no structural change shall be made nor shall any increase in area be permitted.

D. Moving or Alterations. In such cases where a nonconforming sign is moved or changed, the sign shall be treated as a new sign and subject to the requirements of this chapter.

E. Appeal. The period specified in subsection (A) of this section may be extended by the hearing examiner upon application of the person maintaining such sign if the examiner finds that such an extension is necessary for the preservation of substantial property rights of the applicant. The application for the extension shall be made in writing within ten days after notice to remove the sign has been issued by the city.

F. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. If the provisions of subsection (A) of this section are not complied with regarding removal or alteration of nonconforming signs, and no appeal is made in accordance with subsection (E) of this section, the nonconforming sign is to be removed, and the cost thereof shall be charged to the owner or tenant.

G. Any Change in Building Use or Classification. Any change requiring change of use or any new sign structure installation will require applicable signage to conform to the provisions of this section. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))