§ 129. Nonconforming Signs.

Signs in existence on the effective date of this ordinance which do not conform to the provisions of this ordinance, but which were constructed, erected, affixed or maintained in compliance with all previous regulations, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs. Although it is not the intent of the ordinance to encourage the continued use of nonconforming signs, nonconforming signs shall be allowed to continue and a decision as to the continued existence and use or removal of such signs shall be controlled as follows:

(1)

No nonconforming sign shall be changed to another nonconforming sign.

(2)

No nonconforming sign shall have any changes made in the words or symbols used or the message displayed on the sign unless the sign is specifically designed for periodic change of message.

(3)

No nonconforming sign shall be structurally altered so as to change the shape, size, type or design of the sign.

(4)

No nonconforming sign shall be re-established after the activity, business or use to which it relates has been discontinued and such sign shall be removed.

(5)

No nonconforming sign shall be re-established and all remains of the sign must be removed after damage or destruction, if the estimated expense of repairs exceeds fifty (50) percent of the estimated total value of the sign at the time of destruction. If damaged by less than fifty (50) percent, but repairs are not made within three (3) months of the time such damage occurred, the nonconforming sign shall not be allowed to continue and must be removed.

(6)

No nonconforming sign shall be relocated.

(7)

Normal maintenance and repair of a nonconforming sign is permitted providing the shape, size, type or design of the sign is not altered.

Signs located on premises which come within the zoning jurisdiction of the Town of Tarboro after the effective date of this ordinance and which signs do not comply with the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the requirements listed above.

Any nonconforming sign which is structurally altered, relocated or replaced shall immediately be brought into compliance with all the provisions of this ordinance.

Signs in existence on the effective date of this ordinance which do not comply with provisions regulating use of strobe lights, zip lights, flashing lights or rotating beacons; flags, streamers or strings of lights; or permanently installed or situated merchandise, shall be made to conform within ninety (90) days form the effective date of this ordinance.

The administrator shall order the removal of any sign maintained in violation of the provisions of this section for which removal procedures are herein prescribed, accordingly: the administrator shall give ninety (90) days' written notice to the owner or lessee to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance with this ordinance. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign within ninety (90) days after the ninety-day written notice has been given, the administrator or his duly authorized representative may institute removal proceedings according to the procedures specified in G.S. Section 160A-175.