Except as otherwise provided in this article, any nonconforming use or structure existing at the time of passage of this Part 5 may be continued upon the lot or in the structure so occupied.
A nonconforming use shall be adjudged as abandoned
when there occurs a cessation of any such use or activity by an apparent
act or failure to act on the part of the tenant or owner to reinstate
such use within a period of two years from the date of cessation or
discontinuance. Any subsequent use of such property shall be in conformity
with the provisions of this Part 5.
If any nonconforming building shall be partially
destroyed, it may be restored or repaired, provided that a building
permit is obtained within one year after the destruction thereof and
work is commenced within 18 months and completed within two years
after the destruction thereof.
No nonconforming use shall, if once changed
into a conforming use, be changed back again into a nonconforming
use.
[Added 4-15-1997]
No nonconforming use may be expanded or intensified,
nor may a structure in which a nonconforming use is carried on be
expanded or altered without the approval of the Zoning Board of Adjustment
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d)(2).
