A. Any existing nonconforming sign shall be made conforming if Level 2 or Level 3 improvements per LMC 21.12.400(B) and (C) are made to building(s) on nonconforming sites occupied by a conforming use, except if allowed to remain pursuant to state law.

B. Any existing nonconforming sign that has been abandoned for a continuous period of six months or more must be removed or made conforming before it can be used by a new business, except if allowed to remain pursuant to state law.

C. When any new sign for which a sign permit is required by this chapter is proposed to be installed on a business site where a nonconforming sign or signs are located, one nonconforming sign of similar type as the proposed sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter for each new sign installed on a business site. For example, one existing nonconforming freestanding sign would need to be removed or brought into conformance for each new freestanding sign installed on a particular business site, except if allowed to remain pursuant to state law.

D. Portable signs located within an area being annexed to the city that do not conform with the requirements of this chapter shall be removed within six months of the effective date of annexation.

E. Whenever any modification is to be made to the structure, frame or support of any nonconforming sign, such nonconforming sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter. Adding a new sign face to a nonconforming sign that does not modify the shape, size or any structural element of a nonconforming sign shall be allowed without a sign permit. This provision does not apply to regular maintenance that does not involve replacement of external elements.

F. Whenever a building facade that supports a nonconforming wall, nonrigid awning or projecting signs is remodeled, all such nonconforming signs located on the facade being remodeled shall be brought into conformance with this chapter.

G. Any nonconforming sign that has been designated historically or culturally significant or is placed on a structure that has been designated historically or culturally significant shall not be required to be removed.

H. Existing signs that are nonconforming may be relocated on the same parcel if displaced by government action; provided, that setback standards shall be met to the extent feasible. If an existing conforming or nonconforming sign would have setbacks reduced below applicable standards as a result of government action, the sign may be relocated on the same parcel to reduce the setback nonconformity to the extent feasible. Signs that are relocated under this subsection (H) will not be altered in size, shape, or height and shall be relocated at the expense of the government entity. (Ord. 3256 § 5, 2017; Ord. 2310 § 42, 2000)