patch 7.4.2201
Problem:    The sign column disappears when the last sign is deleted.
Solution:   Add the 'signcolumn' option. (Christian Brabandt)
diff --git a/src/move.c b/src/move.c
index 136263f..a083c1c 100644
--- a/src/move.c
+++ b/src/move.c
@@ -890,12 +890,7 @@
 	    + wp->w_p_fdc
 #endif
 #ifdef FEAT_SIGNS
-	    + (
-# ifdef FEAT_NETBEANS_INTG
-		/* show glyph gutter in netbeans */
-		wp->w_buffer->b_has_sign_column ||
-# endif
-		wp->w_buffer->b_signlist != NULL ? 2 : 0)
+	    + (signcolumn_on(wp) ? 2 : 0)
 #endif
 	   );
 }