[Amended 7-18-2000 by L.L. No. 3-2000]
Except as otherwise provided in this article,
the lawfully permitted use of land or buildings existing at the time
of the adoption or amendment of this chapter may be continued although
such use does not conform to the standards specified in this chapter
for the zone in which such land or building is located. Said uses
shall be deemed nonconforming uses.
[Amended 7-18-2000 by L.L. No. 3-2000]
Where no building is involved, the nonconforming
use of land may be continued; provided, however, that no such nonconforming
use shall be enlarged or increased, nor shall it be extended to occupy
a greater area of land than that occupied by such use at the time
of the adoption or amendment of this chapter, unless specifically
allowed by other provision in this chapter, nor shall any such nonconforming
use be moved in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot or
parcel of land occupied by such nonconforming use at the time of the
adoption or amendment of this chapter, provided, further, that if
such nonconforming use of land, or any portion thereof, ceases for
any reason for any continuous period of more than six months or is
changed to a conforming use, any future use of the land shall be in
conformity with the provisions of this chapter. No nonconforming use
of land shall be changed to another nonconforming use.
A building that is conforming in use but does not conform to the height, yard or land coverage requirements of this chapter shall not be considered to be nonconforming within the meaning of §
195-31. No permits shall be issued that will result in the increase of any nonconformity in height, yard space or land coverage.
If any building legally nonconforming in use
shall be destroyed by any means, it may be repaired or reconstructed
to the same size and on the same location or at the location specified
for new buildings in the district in which such use is located. All
repairs or reconstruction for such nonconforming use shall be started
within one year of the date on which the destruction occurred.
[Amended 7-18-2000 by L.L. No. 3-2000]
Regardless of any other provisions of this chapter,
every sign which, after the adoption or amendment of this chapter,
may exist as a nonconforming use in any district shall be discontinued
and removed or changed to conform to the standards of said district
within a period of 18 months from the date of adoption or amendment
of this chapter.