Old signs can stay until changed or business sold

(a) Any sign erected prior to the effective date of this chapter, in compliance with all then existing statutes, ordinances, and regulations, and for which a legal permit had been obtained, is permitted to be maintained as a nonconforming sign until such time that the sign is altered, relocated, or the business is sold, at which time it must be removed or brought into compliance with all provisions of this chapter. Any person who fails to comply, as indicated in section 3-36 (Violations) and sections 3-38 and 3-39 (Administrative enforcement and Criminal prosecution) shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $100 per day from the final date specified for correction of the violation. During the time a sign is permitted to remain as a nonconforming sign, it is subject to the following conditions: (1) A nonconforming sign shall be maintained in a safe condition and shall not in any respect be dangerous to the public or to property. (2) At such time that the nonconforming sign is altered, relocated, or the business is sold, or the discontinuance or removal from the premises of the activity to which the sign relates, the sign ceases to be a nonconforming sign and shall thereafter be allowed to be maintained only upon compliance with this chapter. The term “alteration” does not include repairs and maintenance for the purpose of keeping the sign in a clean and safe condition. (2004, ord 04-142, sec 2.)3-35 SIGNS § 3-36 Division 12. Violations, Enforcement, Penalty.