For the purpose of this chapter, the Braintree Zoning Board
of Appeal shall be the permit granting authority for the issuance
of zoning variances and for authorizing alterations or changes to
preexisting nonconforming structures.
Any use of land, building or structure, existing and lawful
at the time of the original adoption of the Town's Zoning Bylaw or
the adoption of subsequent amendments, which does not conform to the
current requirements for the district in which such land, building
or structure is situated may be continued except as hereinafter provided.
Signs shall not be permitted as a nonconforming use.
In the event a nonconforming building or structure is not used
or a nonconforming use is not exercised for a period of two years,
the right to maintain such nonconforming building or structure or
to carry on such nonconforming use shall be deemed to have been abandoned
and extinguished. Thereafter, the premises shall be subject to all
regulations applying to the zoning district in which it is located.
If a nonconforming structure or use or part thereof is changed
to a conforming structure or use, no reversion to the nonconforming
status shall be permitted.