Laserfiche WebLink
<br />(a) Nonconforming signs. <br /> <br />(1) Signs existing prior to July 1, 1986, which do not conform to the <br />provisions of this chapter shall be regarded as nonconforming signs which <br />may continue to exist until the sign, or a substantial part of it, is blown down <br />or otherwise destroyed, dismantled, or substantially altered for any purpose <br />other than maintenance operations or for changing the letters, symbols, or <br />other matter on the sign. Nonconforming signs which are structurally altered, <br />relocated, or replaced at the owner's choice shall comply immediately with <br />all provisions of this ordinance. <br /> <br />(2) Any nonconforming sign which has been damaged by fire, wind, <br />or other cause in excess of 60 percent of its replacement cost shall not be <br />restored except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. <br /> <br />(3) If the City Council deems it appropriate to require the relocation, <br />reconstruction, or removal of a sign within the city limits or the <br />extraterritorial jurisdiction, then it shall comply with the procedures set forth <br />in V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, Chapter 216, Subchapter A. <br /> <br />(b) Abandoned or obsolete signs. <br /> <br />(1) Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a <br />bona fide business conducted or a product sold at said premises, shall be <br />removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the <br />building or structure upon which the sign may be found or associated within <br />twelve (12) months after the said business has been closed; provided, <br />however, if the premises containing the sign is leased, such sign shall be <br />removed within twenty-four (24) months after the most recent tenant ceases <br />to operate on the premises. <br /> <br />(2) The poles/supports for out-of-business signs may be left in place <br />as long as the poles/supports do not violate safety or electrical codes and as <br />long as there is reasonable expectation that the poles/supports can or will be <br />utilized by the next owner, agent, or person occupying the building. If the <br />sign pole/support is in the right-of way or is a nonconforming sign structure, <br />it must be completely removed. <br /> <br />(3) All signs, cabinets, and parts to the abandoned or obsolete sign <br />(except primary poles/supports, if in compliance) shall be removed from the <br />premises and disposed of. If the abandoned or obsolete sign or sign parts are <br />not removed within the time frames stated herein, a code inspector is hereby <br />authorized to cause removal of such sign, sign parts, and sign pole/supports <br /> <br />Page 9 of 17 <br />