The lawful use of any building or land existing at the time
of the enactment of this chapter may be continued although such use
does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
Whenever a building or land used for, or occupied by, a nonconforming
use has been discontinued for a period of one year for residential
dwellings or three years for other uses, such use shall not thereafter
be used or occupied as a nonconforming use. Mobile homes which are
vacant for one year or greater shall be considered abandoned for the
purpose of this chapter.
A.Â
A nonconforming building may not be reconstructed or structurally
altered during its life to an extent exceeding in aggregate cost 50%
of the appraised value of the building at the time of application,
unless the building is changed to a conforming use.
B.Â
A nonconforming use shall not be extended, but a lawful use may be
extended into any portion of a nonconforming building. However, a
nonconforming use may be rebuilt in the event of partial destruction
thereof to occupy the same space on the lot, or may be rebuilt to
provide greater yard space and less lot coverage and to not exceed
the height of the totally or partially destroyed building.
Nothing herein contained shall require any change in plans,
construction or designated use of a building for which construction
shall have been diligently prosecuted prior to the effective date
of this chapter.
Lots of record at the time of adoption of this chapter whose
area and/or depth are less than the specified minimum requirements
set forth herein shall be deemed to meet the minimum size regulations
of this chapter. No new lot shall be created which does not meet the
minimum lot size regulations of this chapter.
