Any nonconforming use or structure existing
at the time of the passage of this chapter may be continued upon the
lot or in the building so occupied, and any such structure may be
restored or repaired in the event of destruction thereof by fire,
explosion, act of God or act of a public enemy after the passage of
this chapter, provided that such restoration or repairs shall be made
within one year from the date of destruction. Nothing in this chapter
shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of
a wall declared unsafe by the Building Inspector or Construction Code
Official or any other official so designated by the Mayor and Council.
No nonconforming use shall, if once changed
into a conforming use, be changed back again into a nonconforming
use.
The cost of structural alterations made in such
building shall in no case exceed 50% of its value, nor shall the building
be enlarged unless the use thereof is changed to a conforming use.
No nonconforming use shall be extended so as
to diminish the extent of a conforming use.
