§ 27-592. Nonconforming signs.

All signs, which were lawfully in existence and constructed or installed with properly issued sign permits as of the effective date of these amended regulations, and which are made nonconforming by the provisions herein shall be allowed to remain in accordance with the following conditions:

(1)

Freestanding signs, permitted pursuant to section 27-584, made nonconforming upon the initial effective date of these amended regulations, which are not in compliance only with respect to the minimum required distance of five (5) feet from any property lines shall be allowed to remain in the existing location provided that no portion of the sign is located within any publicly owned right-of-way or utility easement and that no interference with clear sight distance exists, and further provided that such signs are otherwise in compliance with the terms of this article.

(2)

Freestanding signs, permitted pursuant to section 27-584, made nonconforming upon the initial effective date of these amended regulations, which are not in compliance with respect only to maximum width, height or size shall be allowed to remain, provided that such signs are otherwise in compliance with the terms of this article.

(3)

Nonconforming signs, including those as described in preceding subsections (1) and (2) shall be made conforming with all provisions of this article when any of the following changes are made:

a.

Any change to the structural supports or structural materials, including temporary relocation associated with routine maintenance of a property.

b.

Any increase in illuminated area.

c.

Any change which increases the height and/or area of a sign.

d.

Any rebranding as defined herein.

e.

Any replacement required as the result of damage, a weather event, and/or an Act of God.

f.

Any replacement of an abandoned sign.

g.

Any change necessary for compliance with Florida Building Code requirements.

h.

The subdivision or partial conveyance of a lot or parcel which reduces the street frontage of the lot for purposes of calculating the size and/or number of sign(s) on said lot or parcel.

i.

Any repair done without obtaining a required building permit.

(4)

The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to signs that are deteriorated, dilapidated, or in a general state of disrepair, or which are determined to create a hazard to public safety, which signs shall be removed by the property owner within sixty (60) days of written notice from the city manager or designee of such condition. Abandoned signs shall be removed only in accordance with section 27-707 herein.

(5)

For violation of this section, the city manager or his designee shall assess a civil penalty to be paid in the following amounts:

First offense ..... $500.00

Second offense ..... $1,000.00

Third and each subsequent offense ..... $1,500.00

All appeals of civil penalty assessments must be in writing and received by the city clerk within thirty (30) days of assessment and shall be heard by the special magistrate.

(Ord. No. 2005-12, § 1, 6-6-05; Ord. No. 2015-02 , § 1, 3-2-15; Ord. No. 2015-17 , § 4, 11-2-15)