a.

General.

1.

Applicability. A nonconforming sign or billboard may be continued. It shall be maintained in accordance with this section.

2.

Requirements.

i.

A nonconforming sign or billboard shall not be:

(a)

Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, but the sign face and message may be changed;

(b)

Structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign, including the addition or replacement of any structural supports and or ground or foundation supports;

(c)

Expanded or altered in any manner that increases the degree of nonconformity; or

(d)

Continued in use after a new freestanding sign or sign structure is erected on the same parcel or unit.

ii.

Should any nonconforming structure of a sign or billboard, or nonconforming portion of any structure be removed, destroyed, or become structurally deteriorated (excluding foundations) by any means to an extent of more than fifty (50) per cent of the structure as determined by the chief building official, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with article VI, division 10, signs and billboards, or removed.

b.

Illegal signs and billboards.

1.

Applicability. An illegal sign or billboard is a sign or billboard which:

i.

Does not conform to the standards in article VI, division 10, signs and billboards; and

ii.

Was erected or maintained in violation of the applicable requirements or ordinances in effect at the time it was erected.

2.

Removal or conformance. Illegal signs shall be removed or made to conform to the standards in article VI, division 10, signs and billboards, by the owner or user of the sign, or by the owner of the premises upon which it is located.

c.

Nonconforming billboards.

1.

Applicability. No new billboards shall be constructed except in accordance with this section and article VI, division 10, signs and billboards.

2.

Requirements.

i.

The number of current billboards and their supporting structures existing on January 1, 2025 shall be capped except that such cap shall not apply to the Interstate 20/59 corridor where billboards may be constructed subject to and in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance. Billboards that were in compliance with the requirements of the ordinance on December 4, 2007, are deemed to be conforming billboards. Billboards that were nonconforming on December 4, 2007, are deemed to be nonconforming billboards and shall be subject to the provisions of this section and article VI, division 10, signs and billboards.

ii.

Existing nonconforming billboards may be converted to accommodate electronic, digital, video, or tri-vision technology, subject to article VI, division 10, signs and billboards, provided that such structures are structurally able and capable to support a conversion to electronic, digital, video, or tri-vision technology. The existing foundation, ground-supporting poles or beams shall not be reinforced to accommodate electronic, digital, video or tri-vision technology except that an existing monopole structure may be modified to accommodate electronic, digital, video or tri-vision technology by limiting such modifications to the foundation and header of the pole. The conversion of any existing nonconforming billboard shall be permitted by the chief building official.

iii.

The owner of an existing nonconforming billboard may remove the existing billboard from a nonconforming site to an approved and conforming location, including such areas annexed into the city subsequent to January 1, 2025 provided that such areas are not included in the billboard-free zone, only after a permit is obtained as set forth in section 25-42, sign permit and article VI, division 10, signs and billboards, and compliance with all other provisions of this section, this article, and this ordinance. Permits to erect or construct a billboard along federal or state-controlled highways in conforming locations must be obtained from the city and the state department of transportation.

(Ord. No. 9572, § 2, 12-17-24)