Except as otherwise provided in this section, any use, building,
or structure lawfully existing at the time of enactment of this chapter
may be continued, although it is not in conformity with the regulations
specified by this chapter.
If a nonconforming use of land or of a building or structure
ceases or is discontinued for a continuous period of one year or more,
subsequent use of such building, structure, or land shall be in conformity
with the provisions of this chapter.
Any lawful nonconforming use of land exclusive of buildings
and structures and the use contained therein, may be extended upon
the lot on which it exists, provided such extension shall be limited
to a distance of a total of 150 feet in any one or combination of
directions from the existing nonconforming use, or to an area equal
to 50% of the existing nonconforming use, whichever is the lesser.
The extension of a nonconforming use on a lot shall be limited to
the lot which was in existence at the time of the adoption of this
chapter. Such extension shall also conform to area and lot regulations
and to the design standards of this chapter.
Any nonconforming use may be replaced or substituted by another
nonconforming use by special exception, if the Zoning Hearing Board
determines that the proposed use is at least equally compatible with,
and not detrimental to, the surrounding area as the original nonconforming
use. In addition, the proposed nonconforming use shall not increase
any dimensional nonconformities. The Zoning Hearing Board may attach
reasonable conditions to the special exception to keep the use compatible
within its surroundings.
Any lawful nonconforming building or other structure which has
been damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, windstorm, or other
cause may be reconstructed in the same location, provided that:
A. The reconstructed building or structure shall not exceed the height,
area, or volume of the damaged or destroyed building or structure
and such reconstructed building or structure shall not increase any
dimensional nonconformities; and
B. Reconstruction shall begin within one year from the date of damage
or destruction and shall be carried on without interruption.
It is the express intent and purpose of this chapter that if
a nonconforming building, structure, sign or use of land was expanded
or extended to the limits of expansion for a nonconforming building,
structure, sign, or use of land as authorized by a prior zoning regulation
or ordinance, said building, structure, sign, or use of land shall
nonetheless be authorized to expand according to the provisions of
this article in the same manner as are buildings, structures, signs,
and uses made nonconforming by the adoption of this chapter.