19.36.070 Removal of nonconforming signs.
A. All existing signs within the city which are not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter upon the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title are considered to be nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs shall be made to conform with the requirements of this section under the following circumstances:
1. When any sign for which a sign permit is required by this section is proposed to be installed on a premises upon which is located a nonconforming sign or signs, one nonconforming sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with this section for each new sign installed for a particular business.
2. Portable signs which do not conform with the requirements of this section shall be removed within six months of the effective date of this title or, if located within an area being annexed to the city, within six months of the effective date of annexation, whichever is later.
3. Whenever a building, or portion thereof, upon which is located a nonconforming roof sign, is proposed to be expanded or remodeled, all nonconforming roof signs located on that portion of the building being remodeled or expanded shall be removed or brought into compliance with this chapter if such expansion or remodel adds to the building the lesser of:
a. Ten percent or more of the gross floor area of the existing building;
b. One thousand square feet gross floor area;
c. A value for the new construction or remodeling greater than or equal to ten percent of the assessed value of the existing building.
4. Whenever any modification is to be made to the structure, frame or support of any nonconforming sign, such nonconforming sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with this title. Adding a new sign face to a nonconforming sign which does not modify the shape, size or any structural element of a nonconforming sign shall be permitted, except that conversion to an electronic changing message sign is prohibited.
5. Whenever the facade of a building upon which is located a nonconforming wall sign or nonconforming projecting sign is remodeled or renovated, all nonconforming wall signs located on the portion of the facade being renovated shall be brought into conformance with this chapter.
6. Whenever a lot upon which is located a nonconforming sign is the subject of an application which requires Review Process III, IV or V as set forth in EMC Title 15, Local Project Review Procedures, the review authority may require removal of any nonconforming sign as a condition of approval.
7. Exception for Multi-Tenant Shopping Centers Using a Shared Freestanding Sign. When an individual tenant applies for a permit to install or modify a wall sign, a nonconforming freestanding sign on the site need not be brought into compliance with the standards in this chapter.
B. Any sign which has been designated historic pursuant to Chapter 19.28 EMC shall not be required to be removed by this section. (Ord. 3774-20 § 10 (Exh. 8), 2020; Ord. 3684-19 § 2(A)(Exh. 1 § 7), 2019.)