The lawful use of a building or land or any structure existing
at the effective date of this chapter may be continued, although such
use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, and such may
be continued throughout the building.
Whenever a nonconforming use of a building or land has been
changed to a use of a more restricted classification or use, such
use shall not thereafter be changed to a use of a less restricted
classification.
A nonconforming use or building which is partially destroyed
by fire, explosion, flood or other destructive force may be continued
as the same nonconforming use, provided that the building reconstruction
shall be completed within one year from the date when the building
was destroyed or condemned.
In a case of a lot where the deed is recorded in the register
of deeds' office or laid out on the Official Tax Map of the Township
of Berlin, prior to the effective date of this chapter, or is of such
irregular shape that the owner would have difficulty in providing
the required side and rear yard setback requirements in which such
lot is situated, the Zoning Board of Adjustment may modify the requirements
of this chapter in accordance with its power as conferred by law and
permit a building or structure to be built thereon.
[Amended 11-8-1982 by Ord. No. 82:25; 11-28-1988]
Any sign, billboard or advertising device existing prior to the effective date of this chapter that does not conform in use, type, location, height or size to the regulations of the district in which it is located may be maintained or repaired. However, such sign, billboard or advertising device shall not be replaced. Within the Pinelands Area, the provision of §
340-21I(2) shall apply.
Whenever the boundaries of a district shall be changed so as
to transfer an area from one district to another district of a different
classification, the foregoing provisions shall also apply to any nonconforming
uses existing therein.