Page 78 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135
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134-7. NONcONFOrMitieS DRAFT
Nonconforming Signs
movement or relocation eliminates the nonconformity. 7.6.5 DAMAGe Or DeStrUctiON
7.5.3 AlterAtiON, eNlArGeMeNt Or A. If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by
eXPANSiON any means, including repair, alteration, replacement
Nonconforming structures may not be enlarged or or upgrade, to the extent of 50% or more of its
altered in a way which increases their nonconformity. replacement cost at tine of damage or destruction,
Alterations, including enlargements and expansions, exclusive of the foundation and supporting elements
are permitted if the proposed alteration or expansion below the bottom of the sign, the nonconforming
complies with all applicable lot and building regulations sign must be removed.
and does not increase the extent of the nonconformity. B. If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by
A building with a nonconforming street setback, for any means, including repair, alteration, replacement
example, may be expanded to the rear as long as the or upgrade, to an extent of less than 50% of
rear expansion complies with applicable rear setback its replacement cost at the time of the damage
regulations and all other applicable lot and building or destruction, exclusive of the foundation and
regulations. supporting elements below the bottom of the sign,
the nonconforming sign may be remain to the
7.5.4 DAMAGe Or DeStrUctiON extent it existed before the damage, provided that
If a nonconforming structure is damaged or destroyed a building permit application to re-establish the sign
to the extent of 50% or more of its replacement cost is filed within 6 months of the date of damage or
at time of damage or destruction, the nonconforming destruction.
structure may not be re-established. If the structure
is damaged or destroyed to the extent of less than c. For purposes of this subsection (134-7.6.5), the
50% of its replacement cost at the time of damage phrase “damages or destroyed” includes removal of
or destruction, the nonconforming structure may the sign face for repair, alteration, replacement or
be re-established to the extent it existed before upgrade.
the damage or destruction, provided that a permit 7.6.6 lOSS OF NONcONFOrMiNG StAtUS
application to allow the re-establishment is filed within
6 months of the damage. A. If the use of the property containing a
nonconforming pole sign is discontinued for a
134-7.6 Nonconforming Signs period of more than 6 months, or if a new or
A nonconforming sign is a sign that was lawfully amended site plan is required by a change in the
use or building expansion on the premises, the
established but that no longer complies with applicable pole sign loses its nonconforming status. Any pole
zoning ordinance regulations because of the adoption sign that loses its nonconforming status must be
or amendment of regulations after the sign was removed no later than 6 months after its change of
established. status.
7.6.1 USe B. If a pole sign or other on-premise sign is not used to
Nonconforming signs may continue subject to the display a commercial or noncommercial message for
regulation of this section. a period of 6 months or more, the sign is deemed
abandoned and must be removed.
7.6.2 MOVeMeNt
A nonconforming sign may be moved in whole or c. If a nonconforming off-premise outdoor advertising
in part to another location only if the movement or sign is not used to display a commercial or
relocation eliminates the nonconformity. noncommercial message for a period of 6 months
or more, the nonconforming off-premise outdoor
7.6.3 AlterAtiON, eNlArGeMeNt Or advertising sign is deemed to have been abandoned
eXPANSiON and must be removed.
Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or altered in D. When removal of a sign is required, the entire sign
a way which increases their nonconformity. structure, including the base and supports, must be
7.6.4 cONVerSiON tO electrONic DiSPlAY 5 removed to a depth of at least 6 inches below grade.
Nonconforming signs may not be converted to use an
electronic or multi-vision display.
5 New billboards would be prohibited under this draft, as
would conversion of existing static displays.
134-7-6 DRAFT AUGUST 3, 2017