Firebaugh City Zoning Code
§ 25-47.9
Nonconforming Signs.
The lawful use of a sign existing on the effective date of this § 25-47, although such use does not conform to the provisions of this § 25-47, may be thus continued; provided, however, a nonconforming sign which has been abandoned, or the use for which it is advertised has ceased to function for a period of 90 days or more, shall be brought into conformity with the provisions of this § 25-47.
a.
No nonconforming sign shall in any manner (except for face changes) be structurally altered, reconstructed, or moved without being made to comply with the provisions of this § 25-47; however, nothing herein shall prohibit the painting, maintenance, or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing of copy.
b.
If, at any time, any sign in existence or maintained on the effective date of § 25-47, which does not conform to the provisions of § 25-47, is destroyed by fire, accident, explosion or act of nature to the extent of more than 50% of the value thereof, such sign shall be subject to all the provisions of this § 25-47. For the purposes of this § 25-47, the value of any sign shall be the estimated cost of replacement of the sign in kind as determined by the Chief Building Official.
c.
The Code Enforcement Officer or his/her designee shall immediately cause the removal of any sign which, in the judgment of the Code Enforcement Officer or the Public Works Director, is found to be within the public right-of-way and/or easements and are found to place citizens in immediate peril, by any or a combination of the following methods using sound judgment under the circumstances:
1.
Removal or modification of said sign by City staff with business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) to be billed for time and materials.
2.
Notification orally or in writing to the business owner causing the removal of said signs within a twenty-four-hour period or lesser period of time, as prescribed by the Code Enforcement Officer.
3.
Immediate citation of the business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) or party responsible for said sign.
d.
Any business that has ceased operations for at least 30 days shall remove all temporary signs and all window signs.