Any lawful structure and lawful use of land or structures existing at the effective date of this chapter may be continued, notwithstanding that such use or structure does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
No lot that is nonconforming as to area shall be further reduced in area.
[Amended 11-26-1985 by Ord. 85-22]
No nonconforming building or other structure shall be enlarged, extended or increased in size where such enlargement, extension or increase would tend to expand the degree of nonconformity.
No nonconforming use shall be expanded.
It shall be prima facie evidence of intention to abandon a nonconforming use or structure if:
A. 
It is converted into a conforming use or structure; or
B. 
The nonconforming use ceases or the nonconforming structure ceases being used for its nonconforming purpose for 18 consecutive months.
Any nonconforming building or other structure may be rebuilt, restored or repaired in the event of partial destruction thereof. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any wall, floor or roof which has been declared unsafe by the Hillsdale Construction Code Agency.
No nonconforming use shall, if once changed into a conforming use, be changed back into a nonconforming use.
A nonconforming building or other structure may be altered but not enlarged or extended.
Nothing herein contained shall require any change in plans, construction or designated use of a building or other structure for which a building permit has been lawfully issued prior to the effective date hereof and the construction of which shall have been diligently prosecuted within three months next following the date of such permit and the ground-story framework of which, including the second tier of beams, shall have been completed in accordance with such plans within one year from the effective date of this chapter.