Gainesville › Unified Land Development Code
Article 14 — Signs, Chapter 14-8 — NONCONFORMING SIGNS
§ 14-8-1
Nonconforming Signs
(a)A wall or freestanding sign that lawfully existed on the effective date of this ULDC may continue to be used, except that the nonconforming sign shall not be:
(1)Moved to another location on the site; or
(2)Replaced by another nonconforming sign; or
(3)Enlarged or altered in a way that increases its nonconformity or that adds value to said sign.
(b)A nonconforming freestanding or wall sign shall not be reused for a new business or establishment. This includes a prohibition against the replacement of a sign face module for a new business on a sign or sign structure that exceeds the maximum area or height requirements established by this Article or otherwise does not conform with the requirements of this Article. This paragraph does not apply to:
(1)Nonconforming billboards; or
(2)A wall or freestanding sign for an established business which undergoes a change of ownership.
(c)The addition of changeable copy to any nonconforming freestanding sign is prohibited.
(d)Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs shall be permitted in accordance with Chapter 14-9; provided, however, that no change in the shape or size of a nonconforming sign shall be permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this Article. In no case shall a nonconforming sign be repaired, rebuilt, replaced, moved, or altered after damage exceeding 50% of the value of the sign.
§ 14-8-2
Sign Limitations When Nonconforming Sign Exists
No sign or advertising device shall be erected for the same establishment on the same lot with an existing nonconforming sign until the nonconforming sign has been removed or made to conform to the provisions of this Article. Existing, nonconforming billboards are not subject to the requirements of this Section.
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