(a) Any on-site signage that does not conform to this chapter, but was legally in place before the effective date of the provision to which the signage does not conform, shall be considered legal nonconforming signage. Such existing signage may be maintained and/or repaired but at such time as a merchant replaces or modifies the signage, then the signage must conform to the requirements of this code except as provided in subsection (1)(b) of this section. No temporary signage shall be considered as legal nonconforming signage under this section. “Legally in place” shall mean:

(b) Modification of legal nonconforming signage is limited to change of copy, change of sign background associated with a change of copy, or reduction in cabinet size associated with a change of copy.

(c) Change of copy or sign background for legal nonconforming signs shall be processed as a modification to a sign permit if the modification meets the criteria in SMC 17.110.020(2) and shall be subject to the sign modification permit fee unless there is alteration of the cabinet, or change in connection hardware, or the building official determines that windload must be reviewed. In these instances the modifications shall be processed as provided in SMC 17.110.020(1) subject to a sign permit fee and building permit fee.

(d) The nonconforming status of a sign shall not be affected by cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair; provided, that the original design function, operational capability, and structure of the sign are maintained and the sign is not otherwise enhanced or upgraded except as provided in subsection (1)(b) of this section.