A.Â
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the
lawful use of land or buildings existing on the date of the adoption
of this chapter may be continued although such use of building does
not conform to the regulations specified in this chapter. However,
the following provisions shall apply to all such nonconforming uses:
(1)Â
No nonconforming lot shall be further reduced in size.
(2)Â
After the date of adoption, no nonconforming building
shall be enlarged, extended or increased unless such enlargement would
tend to reduce the degree of nonconformance. This shall not be interpreted
to prohibit additions to residential dwellings that do not impact
the degree of nonconformance with regard to setbacks or minimum lot
size.
B.Â
Discontinuance. In any district, whenever a nonconforming
use of land, premises, building or structure, or any part or portion
thereof, has been discontinued for a period of 365 consecutive days,
such nonconforming use shall not be reestablished, and all future
uses shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Such
discontinuance applies to all active and continuous operations of
a nonconforming use, or a part or portion thereof, regardless of any
lack of intent to abandon the same or regardless of intent to resume
active operations at a later date. If actual abandonment in fact is
evidenced by the removal of buildings, structures, machinery, equipment
and other evidences of such considered to be completed, and all rights
to reestablish or continue such nonconforming use shall thereupon
terminate.
C.Â
A nonconforming building may not be reconstructed
or structurally altered during its life to an extent exceeding in
aggregate cost 50% of the assessed value of the building, unless said
building is changed to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
D.Â
Changes. Once changed to a conforming use, no building
or land shall be permitted to revert to a nonconforming use.
[Amended 10-15-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
A.Â
A residential
lot existing at the time of passage of this chapter which is less
than the required area or width or cannot meet the required front
setback for any residential use in the district and was owned or under
contract for purchase by persons other than those owning or leasing
adjoining lots at the time of adoption of these regulations may be
used for residential purposes, provided that the lot has a front setback
equal to at least 60% of the required minimum and that minimum side
and rear setback requirements can be met.
B.Â
A commercial lot existing at the time of passage of this chapter
which is less than the required area or width or cannot meet the required
front setback for any commercial use in the district and was owned
or under contract for purchase by persons other than those owning
or leasing adjoining lots at the time of adoption of these regulations
may be used for commercial purposes, provided that the lot has a front
setback equal to at least 60% of the required minimum and that minimum
side and rear setback requirements can be met.