Except as otherwise provided in this article, the lawful use
of land or buildings existing at the date of the adoption of this
chapter (June 12, 1978) may be continued, although such use or building
does not conform to the regulations specified by this chapter for
the zone in which such land or building is located. However, no nonconforming
building shall be enlarged, expanded, extended or increased so as
to extend a greater distance into the minimum yards required for the
zone in which it is located, unless the total minimum yard distance
requirements of this chapter are maintained and all other requirements
of this chapter relating to the zone in which said nonconforming building
is located are complied with. Nothing herein contained shall be construed
as permitting the extending or expanding of any nonconforming use
or the reestablishing of any nonconforming use after its abandonment.
A nonconforming use shall be adjudged and deemed abandoned when
there occurs a cessation of any such use or activity by an apparent
act or failure to act on the part of the tenant or owner to reinstate
such use within a period of one year from the date of cession or discontinuance.
A.
If any nonconforming building shall be destroyed by reason of windstorm,
fire, explosion or other act of God or the public enemy to an extent
of less than twice the recorded assessed valuation, then such destruction
shall be deemed partial destruction and it may be rebuilt, restored
or repaired.
B.
Nothing in this article shall be construed as preventing the strengthening
or restoring to a safe condition of any wall, floor or roof which
has been declared unsafe by the Building Inspector.
No nonconforming use shall, if once changed into a conforming
use, be changed back again into a nonconforming use.
