Any lawful nonconforming use which existed at
the time of the passage of this chapter may be continued and any existing
building designed, arranged, intended or devoted to a nonconforming
use may be reconstructed or structurally altered, subject to the following
regulations:
A. The structural alterations made in such building shall
in no case exceed 20% of the true value of the buildings, nor shall
the building be enlarged, unless the use therein is changed to a conforming
use; provided, however, that where a building meets the use requirements
of this chapter and is nonconforming because of height and area regulations,
structural alterations may be made in such buildings, provided that
the height and area regulations are not further violated.
B. A nonconforming use changed to a conforming use may
not be changed back to a nonconforming use.
C. In the event that there is a cessation of operation
of any nonconforming use, structure, land or sign for a period of
12 consecutive calendar months, the same shall be presumed to be an
abandonment of such nonconforming use. Any subsequent exercise of
such abandoned nonconforming use shall be deemed a violation of the
terms of this chapter.
D. Nothing in this chapter shall require any change in
plans, construction or designated use of a structure for which a building
permit has been heretofore issued when construction has been diligently
prosecuted within six months of the date of such permit.
E. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted as authorization
for or approval of the continuance of the use of a structure or premises
in violation of zoning regulations in effect at the time of the effective
date of this chapter.
F. No nonconforming use shall be reduced in size. An
owner of two or more contiguous nonconforming lots at the time of
the effective date of this chapter which, when combined, would create
a lot of conforming size shall be required to combine such lots to
create conforming lots.