A "nonconforming street graphic" means any sign, billboard or other street graphic located in the city that does not conform to one or more provisions of this chapter, as from time to time amended; except such sign, billboard or street graphic for which a sign permit was heretofore issued under the former street graphics control ordinance of the city adopted February 13, 1984.

    A.    Restrictions. A nonconforming street graphic that does not pose an imminent peril to life or property may remain and be maintained by ordinary repairs until the amortization period has elapsed, but shall not be:

    1.    Altered or enlarged in such a way as to increase its nonconformity;

    2.    Replaced by another nonconforming street graphic (provided that changing the message on a changeable copy sign shall not be deemed a violation of this provision);

    3.    Relocated unless it is made to conform with this chapter; or

    4.    Reconstructed after incurring damage in an amount exceeding fifty (50) percent of its market value at the time of loss as determined by the administrator.

    Further, whenever any existing street graphic located in an agricultural district or a residential district in the city is found to be nonconforming because it pertains to a commercial or an industrial use in violation of Section 15.44.180, same may be replaced, relocated and/or reconstructed pursuant to subsections (A)(2), (3) and (4) of this section if in compliance with the requirements of Section 15.44.190; notwithstanding it is located in an agricultural or residential district in the city.

    B.    Amortization.

    1.    Any street graphic that is nonconforming on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter because it violates one or more sections of this chapter, shall either be removed or made to comply with this chapter within the time limit indicated in the following categories (which are based upon the cost or rental value of the street graphic). In the case of a street graphic owned by the user, the value shall be determined by the original cost of the street graphic. In the case of a leased street graphic, the value of the street graphic shall be determined by multiplying the periodic payment under the lease agreement by the total number of payments remaining due under the lease agreement.

Value of Street Graphic      Time Limit

Less than $5,000.00    Within 2 years

$ 1 5,001.00 to $15,000.00    Within 3 years

$15,001.00 to $25,000.00    Within 4 years

$25,001.00 to $35,000.00    Within 5 years

$35,001.00 to $45,000.00    Within 6 years

$45,001.00 or more    Within 7 years

Provided, that any street graphic which would be conforming but for the fact that it is a nonconforming commercial or industrial use located in an agricultural district or residential district shall be exempt from amortization.

    2.    Any street graphic that becomes nonconforming because of an amendment to this chapter shall either be removed or made to comply with this chapter as amended, within the amortization period provided in this chapter as amended. (Ord. 892 § 5-4, 1991)