All lawful or previously nonconforming buildings, structures and uses of land or of a building, sign or other structure existing on the effective date of this chapter may be continued, altered, restored, reconstructed, changed, sold or maintained, even though such building, structure or use may not conform to the use, height, area, yard and other regulations of the district in which it is located, provided that such nonconforming conditions shall comply with the following sections of Article
XXI.
The owner of the premises occupied by a lawful nonconforming
use, structure or building existing at the effective date of this
chapter may secure a certificate of nonconformance, which shall be
for the purpose of ensuring to the owner the right to continue a nonconforming
structure, building or use.
Repairs and structural alterations may be made to a nonconforming
building or structure or a building or structure occupied by a nonconforming
use, provided that such alterations and repairs are in conformance
with the regulations as set forth in this chapter and other applicable
codes and ordinances adopted by the Township.
If a nonconforming use ceases operations for a continuous period
of more than 12 months, and intent to abandon has been demonstrated
by the Township, then such use and any subsequent use, structure or
building shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
Signs in existence at the effective date of this chapter or amendments thereto may be continued subject to the regulations contained in Article
XXV herein.