Chapter 15 Amortization of Signs

• Library: The Zoning and Land Use Handbook (ABA) (2016 Ed.)

Chapter 15 Amortization of Signs

One other consideration is the amortization of nonconforming signs. That is, providing a time frame for the removal of signs that have become nonconforming as a result of newly passed legislation. While this can become a complex "taking" issue in the drafting and defending of such ordinances, an amortization period of five and a half years and an amortization period of seven years have been upheld.¹

However, municipal officials should be cautious if considering adopting such an amortization provision that it is not in contravention of existing state law. A recent case held that a provision in a home-rule city's zoning ordinance that provided for a two-year amortization period for...