G. Nonconforming Signs
(1) Maintenance
Any nonconforming sign may be continued in use; provided, however, that in the event any such sign is hereafter damaged to exceed 50 percent of the reproduction value according to appraisal thereof by competent appraisers, or is removed by any means whatsoever, including an Act of God, such sign may be restored, reconstructed, altered or repaired only to conform with the provisions of this Code.
(2) Alteration and Replacement
a. Alteration to nonconforming signs may be made only if such alteration will bring such sign into conformity with the provisions of this Code.
b. However, if the sign is on a separate structure specifically built for the purpose of displaying a sign, the sign face or sign panel within a nonconforming sign structure may be replaced with a new sign for the same or a new use provided the sign structure is not changed or altered in any manner and the panel is essentially the same size and dimensions, and provided all other applicable provisions of this Code are addressed in a conforming manner, including, at a minimum, the following:
1. Sign color;
2. Sign legibility (items of information and font styles); and
3. Sign illumination.
c. When altering a sign that is nonconforming due to height or size, all incentives available to allow for an increase to the height and/or size of the sign shall be applied prior to a permit for the alteration being approved.
d. Replacement of individual tenant panels on an existing monument sign shall comply with sign color and sign legibility requirements on their own, not necessarily for the entire sign.