18-21.110 Nonconforming Signs.
a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to encourage and promote compliance of existing signs with the provisions of this chapter and the eventual elimination of nonconforming signs. The achievement of full compliance of all signs with the provisions of this chapter is as important as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate these regulations. If the sign is one defined by the Outdoor Advertising Act, Section 5499.1, it shall be abated following notice and hearing procedures required by Section 5499.1 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code.
b. Legal Nonconforming Signs. Every on-site sign becoming nonconforming as a result of this article shall not be required to be removed, except as provided for in California Business and Professions Code Sections 5492, 5493, 5495 and 5497. An existing sign which was constructed in accordance with the ordinances and other applicable laws in effect on the date of construction and has a current and valid sign permit but becomes nonconforming by adoption of this article or other regulation will be allowed to remain unless any of the following occurs:
1. The sign structure is altered which makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this Code than it was before the alteration;
2. The sign structure is relocated to a different location on the site or lot, making it less in compliance with the requirements of this Code; or
3. The sign or sign structure is replaced (excluding change of copy).
Upon the occurrence of any one (1) of subsection (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Code with a new permit secured or shall be removed in accordance with the City’s nuisance abatement procedures.
c. Sign Removal. Every legal off-site sign becoming nonconforming as a result of this article may be removed in accordance with the provisions of California Business and Professions Code Sections 5412, 5412.1, 5412.2 and 5412.3. All illegal signs listed below shall be removed in accordance with the City’s nuisance abatement procedures:
1. A sign which was legal but nonconforming that becomes illegal and nonconforming by the occurrence of subsection (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section.
2. Any illegal sign.
3. An abandoned sign.
4. A display existing without permission of owner or lessee.
d. Identification and Inventory. As often as may be desirable, but no less frequently than required by State law, the Director or authorized representative shall authorize an identification and inventory of all illegal and abandoned signs within the City in accordance with the requirements of State law. (Ord. #248-2020, S2 (Exh. A))