§ 17.60.9.020. Nonconforming billboards.

Billboard signs that do not conform to the provisions of this Code, but were legally constructed and permitted at the time of their installation shall be considered legally nonconforming and allowed to remain subject to the following:

A.

Downsizing required. Nonconforming billboards exceeding height and area limitations specified in this Code must be downsized to meet requirements of area and height specified in this Code, or be removed by the sign owner or the property owner if destroyed or damaged beyond fifty (50) percent. This is not intended to eliminate legally sanctioned side-by-side billboards.

B.

In no case may a billboard be repaired or maintained resulting in substantial upgrading or replacement of the structural support of the billboard that would extend the life of the structure. Substantial upgrading may include, but is not limited to, conversion from wood to steel support structure or a conversion from a multi-pole to a single-pole structure.

C.

A non-illuminated billboard may be illuminated provided it is not non-conforming because of its proximity to a residential area or its location within an entry or scenic corridor pursuant to 17.60.5.020.B.

D.

Any signs on property annexed to the City of Great Falls after the effective date of this chapter are subject to all the provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 3139, 2016; Ord. No. 3056, § 1, 8-17-2010)