32.36.030 Documenting a Nonconforming Sign.

City Code Section

To document legal nonconforming status, the applicant must provide evidence to show that the sign was established prior to November 18, 1998 or allowed when established, and that the sign has been maintained over time. If the applicant provides standard evidence from the lists below, the Director will determine if the evidence is satisfactory. If the applicant provides evidence other than the standard evidence listed below, a Determination of Nonconforming Sign Status Review is required, as specified in Section 32.38.040.

A. Sign established before November 18, 1998. If the sign was established before November 18, 1998, the applicant must provide evidence to show that the sign was established before November 18, 1998. Standard evidence that the sign was established before November 18, 1998 is:

1. A building, zoning, sign or development permit;

2. A photograph of the sign at its current location from the Official Sign Photo Inventory; or

3. A date-stamped photograph of the sign at its current location.

B. Sign legally established after November 18, 1998. If the sign was established after November 18, 1998, the applicant must provide evidence to show that the sign was allowed when established. Standard evidence that the sign was allowed when established is:

1. Building, zoning, sign, awning or development permits; or

2. Zoning codes or maps.

C. Sign maintained over time. The applicant must provide evidence to show that the sign has been maintained over time. Standard evidence that the sign has been maintained over time is:

1. Utility bills;

2. Sign-specific property or income tax records;

3. Business licenses;

4. Listings in telephone, business, or Polk directories;

5. Advertisements in dated publications;

6. Building, sign, land use, or development permits; or

7. Records of sign lease agreements.