A. 
Continuing existing uses. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the lawfully permitted use of land or buildings existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may be continued, although such uses may not conform to the standards specified in this chapter for the zone in which such land or building is located. However, no change shall be made so as to create a nonconforming lot, use, building or other structure or to make a nonconforming lot, use, building or structure more nonconforming from the effective date of this chapter. Additionally, in the case of short-term residential rentals, the provisions of Chapter 111 shall be followed.
[Amended 8-14-2023 by L.L. No. 4-2023]
B. 
Nonconforming use of land. Where no building or structure 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 of this chapter, unless specifically allowed by other provisions in the 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 of this chapter, provided further that if such nonconforming use of land, or any portion thereof, ceases for any reasons for any continuous period of more than one year 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.
C. 
Nonconforming use of buildings.
(1) 
A building or structure, including a sign, the use of which does not conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is situated shall not be structurally altered to an extent greater than 50% of its equalized assessed valuation, unless such alterations are required by law; provided, however, that such maintenance and repair work as is required to keep a nonconforming building or structure in sound condition shall be permitted, and provided further that such nonconforming use may be extended throughout any parts of the building which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use at the time of the adoption of this chapter.
(2) 
A nonconforming use may be changed to a conforming use or to another nonconforming use of lesser intensity. The District Regulations Schedule[1] shall determine the intensity of use. If any nonconforming use of a building or sign ceases for any reason for a continuous period of more than one year before or after the enactment of this chapter or is changed to a conforming use, or if the building in or on which such use is conducted or maintained is moved for any distance whatsoever, for any reason, then any future use of such building shall be in conformity with the standards specified by this chapter for the district in which the building is located. If any building or sign in which any nonconforming use is conducted or maintained is hereafter removed, the subsequent use of any building or sign thereon shall be in conformity with the standards specified by this chapter for the district in which such land, building or sign is located.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Schedule A, Use Regulations for Residential Districts, and Schedule B, Use Regulations for Nonresidential/Mixed-Use Districts, both of which are included at the end of this chapter.
D. 
Nonconformity other than use. No permit shall be issued that will result in the increase of any nonconformity in height, yard space or land cover.
E. 
Restoration. No building, structure or sign damaged by fire or other causes to the extent of more than 50% of its equalized assessed value or of its depreciated value shall be repaired or rebuilt except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter, unless such reconstruction is begun within one year of the date of said damage.
F. 
Completion of buildings and signs under construction. Any building, extension or alteration for which a permit has been duly granted, the construction of which has been started before the effective date of this chapter or of a pertinent amendment thereto, and the ground-story framework of which, including the second tier of beams, has been completed within one year after the adoption of this chapter or amendment thereto, may be completed in accordance with plans on file with the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, provided that such construction is diligently prosecuted and the building is completed within two years of the adoption of this chapter.