Hyde Park City Zoning Code
§ 108-24.7
Continuation of nonconforming signs; illegal signs; special use permits.
[Amended 3-9-2015 by L.L. No. 1-2015; 7-16-2018 by L.L. No. 4-2018
It is the express intent of this section to supersede General Municipal Law § 74-c pursuant to § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. Signs that do not conform with this chapter and that were legally in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter or any amendment thereof that makes the sign noncompliant shall be permitted to continue as set forth below:
A.
Alteration. Prior nonconforming signs may be altered only if the alterations increase their conformity with this chapter. This provision shall not prohibit routine maintenance and/or repair of such signs.
B.
Upon any change of use or expansion of use, or change of tenancy, all prior nonconforming signs related to such prior use or tenancy shall be removed, changed or altered to conform to the provision of this chapter within a period not to exceed 30 days unless a special permit is granted pursuant to § 108-24.7D.
C.
Illegal signs. Signs that were not in compliance with the sign regulations of the Town existing prior to September 8, 2005, or any amendment thereto, shall not be considered protected prior nonconforming structures and shall be treated as violations.
D.
Special use permit. Applicants with prior nonconforming signs may request a special permit from the Planning Board to continue their use upon a change in use, expansion of use or change of tenancy. In considering such requests, the Planning Board shall determine whether continuation of said signs would negatively impact the historic or scenic character of the community. Once granted, any such special use permit will automatically expire if the use, business or business name changes or ceases for more than six months.