§ 22.44.090. Existing signs.

Any existing sign may continue to be in operation and be maintained after the effective date of this ordinance and shall be a legal nonconforming sign provided:

A.

The burden of establishing a sign to be legally nonconforming under this section rests upon the person or persons, firm or corporation claiming legal status for a sign;

B.

A nonconforming sign may not be structurally altered or relocated. However, if such alteration or relocation is required as a result of government action, then said action is exempt.

C.

A nonconforming sign will cease to be a legal nonconforming sign if a structural alteration or relocation increases its nonconforming status. An increase in nonconforming status will be construed to be a violation of this chapter and such sign will be subject to removal as provided in this chapter and Chapter 22.54. Changes in the sign face wording of a nonconforming sign shall not be deemed an alteration under this section.

D.

A nonconforming sign will cease to be a legal nonconforming sign if improvements are made to the property on which the sign is located amounting to twenty-five percent or greater of the assessed valuation of the property within any twelve-month period. Improvements to single-family dwellings shall be exempt from this requirement. Improvements made to any residential structure due to fire, earthquake or storm damage, or other natural disasters shall be exempt from this requirement.

(Ord. 11274 § 2 (part), 1996)