[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §121), 11-2-2004]
Unless otherwise specifically provided or unless clearly required
by the context, the words and phrases defined in this Section shall
have the meaning indicated when used in this Article.
DIMENSIONAL NON-CONFORMITY
A non-conforming situation that occurs when the height, size
or minimum floor space of a structure or the relationship between
an existing building or buildings and other buildings or lot lines
does not conform to the regulations applicable to the district in
which the property is located.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE REGULATIONS
Whenever this Article refers to the effective date of these
regulations, the reference shall be deemed to include the effective
date of any amendments to these regulations if the amendment, rather
than these regulations as originally adopted, creates a non-conforming
situation.
EXPENDITURE
A sum of money paid out in return for some benefit or to
fulfill some obligation. The term also includes binding contractual
commitments to make future expenditures, as well as any other substantial
changes in position.
NON-CONFORMING LOT
A lot existing at the effective date of these regulations
(and not created for the purposes of evading the restrictions of these
regulations) that does not meet the minimum area requirement of the
district in which the lot is located.
NON-CONFORMING PROJECT
Any structure, development or undertaking that is incomplete
at the effective date of these regulations and would be inconsistent
with any regulation applicable to the district in which it is located
if completed as proposed or planned.
NON-CONFORMING SIGN
A sign (see Section
400.840 for definition) that, on the effective date of these regulations, does not conform to one (1) or more of the provisions set forth in these regulations, particularly Article
XVII, Signs.
NON-CONFORMING SITUATION
A situation that occurs when, on the effective date of these regulations, an existing lot or structure or use of an existing lot or structure does not conform to one (1) or more of the regulations applicable to the district in which the lot or structure is located. Among other possibilities, a non-conforming situation may arise because a lot does not meet minimum height limitations, because relationship between existing buildings and the land (in such matters as density and setback requirements) is not used for purposes made unlawful by these regulations. Non-conforming signs shall not be regarded as non-conforming situations for purposes of this Article but shall be governed by the provisions of Sections
400.878 and
400.880.
NON-CONFORMING USE
A non-conforming situation that occurs when property is used
for a purpose or in a manner made unlawful by the use regulations
applicable to the district in which the property is located. (For
example, a commercial office building in a residential district may
be a non-conforming use.) The term also refers to the activity that
constitutes the use made of the property. (For example, all the activity
associated with running a bakery in a residentially zoned area is
a non-conforming use.)
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §122), 11-2-2004]
A. Unless otherwise specifically provided in these regulations and subject
to the restrictions and qualifications set forth in this Article,
non-conforming situations that were otherwise lawful on the effective
date of these regulations may be continued.
B. Non-conforming projects may be completed only in accordance with the provisions of Section
400.485.
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §123), 11-2-2004]
A. When a non-conforming lot can be used in conformity with all of the regulations applicable to the intended use, except that the lot is smaller than the required minimums set forth in Section
400.618, then the lot may be used as proposed just as if it were conforming. However, no use (e.g., a two-family residence) that requires a greater lot size than the established minimum lot size for a particular zone is permissible on a non-conforming lot.
B. When the use proposed for a non-conforming lot is one that is conforming in all other respects but the applicable setback requirements (Section
400.625) cannot reasonably be complied with, then the entity authorized by these regulations to issue a permit for the proposed use (the Administrator, Board of Adjustment or Planning and Zoning Commission) may allow deviations from the applicable setback requirements if it finds that:
1.
The property cannot reasonably be developed for the use proposed
without such deviations; and
2.
These deviations are necessitated by the size or shape of the
non-conforming lot; and
3.
The property can be developed as proposed without any significantly
adverse impact on surrounding properties or the public health or safety.
C. For purposes of Subsection
(B), compliance with applicable building setback requirements is not reasonably possible if a building that serves the minimal needs of the use proposed for the non-conforming lot cannot practicably be constructed and located on the lot in conformity with such setback requirements. However, mere financial hardship does not constitute grounds for finding that compliance is not reasonably possible.
D. This Section applies only to undeveloped non-conforming lots. A lot is undeveloped if it has no substantial structures upon it. A change in use of a developed non-conforming lot may be accomplished in accordance with Section
400.480.
E. Subject to the following sentence, if, on the date this Section becomes
effective, an undeveloped non-conforming lot adjoins and has continuous
frontage with one (1) or more other undeveloped lots under the same
ownership, then neither the owner of the non-conforming lot nor his/her
successors in interest may take advantage of the provisions of this
Section. This Subsection shall not apply to a non-conforming lot if
a majority of the developed lots located on either side of the street
where such lot is located and within five hundred (500) feet of such
lot are also non-conforming. The intent of this Subsection is to require
non-conforming lots to be combined with other undeveloped lots to
create conforming lots under the circumstances specified herein, but
not to require such combination when that would be out of character
with the way the neighborhood has previously been developed.
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §124), 11-2-2004; Ord. No. 3483 §1, 9-6-2011]
A. Except as specifically provided in this Section, no person may engage
in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of non-conformity
of a non-conforming situation. In particular, physical alteration
of structures or the placement of new structures on open land is unlawful
if such activity results in:
1.
An increase in the total amount of space devoted to a non-conforming
use; or
2.
Greater non-conformity with respect to dimensional restrictions such as setback requirements, height limitations or density requirements or other requirements such as parking requirements. See Section
400.625 Building Setback Requirements for exceptions.
B. Subject to Subsection
(D), a non-conforming use may be extended throughout any portion of a completed building that, when the use was made non-conforming by these regulations, was manifestly designed or arranged to accommodate such use. However, subject to Section
400.485 (authorizing the completion of non-conforming projects in certain circumstances), a non-conforming use may not be extended to additional buildings or to land outside the original building.
C. Subject to Section
400.485 (authorizing the completion of non-conforming projects in certain circumstances), a non-conforming use of open land may not be extended to cover more land than was occupied by that use when it became non-conforming, except that a use that involves the removal of natural materials from the lot (i.e., a sand pit, quarry, etc.) may be expanded to the boundaries of the lot where the use was established at the time it became non-conforming if ten percent (10%) or more of the earth products had already been removed on the effective date of these regulations.
D. The volume, intensity or frequency of use of property where a non-conforming
situation exists may be increased and the equipment or processes used
at a location where a non-conforming situation exists may be changed
if these or similar changes amount only to changes in the degree of
activity rather than changes in kind and no violations of other paragraphs
of this Section occur.
E. Notwithstanding Subsection
(A), any structure used for single-family residential purposes and maintained as a non-conforming use may be enlarged, so long as the enlargement does not create new non-conformities. This paragraph is subject to the limitations stated in Section
400.483 (abandonment and discontinuance of non-conforming situations).
F. Notwithstanding Subsection
(A), whenever:
1.
There exists a lot with one (1) or more structures on it; and
2.
A change in use that does not involve any enlargement of a structure
is proposed for such lot; and
3.
The parking or loading requirements or Article
XVIII that would be applicable as a result of the proposed change cannot be satisfied on such lot because there is not sufficient area available on the lot that can practicably be used for parking or loading, then the proposed use shall not be regarded as resulting in an impermissible extension or enlargement of a non-conforming situation. However, the applicant shall be required to comply with all applicable parking and loading requirements that can be satisfied without acquiring additional land and shall also be required to obtain satellite parking in accordance with Section
400.908 if:
a.
Parking requirements cannot be satisfied on the lot with respect
to which the permit is required; and
b.
Such satellite parking is reasonably available. If such satellite
parking is not reasonably available at the time the zoning permit
or conditional use permit is granted, then the permit recipient shall
be required to obtain it if and when it does become reasonably available.
The requirement shall be a continuing condition of the permit.
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §125), 11-2-2004]
A. Minor repairs to and routine maintenance of property where non-conforming
situations exist are permitted and encouraged. Major renovation, i.e.,
work estimated to cost more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the
appraised value of the structure to be renovated, may be done only
in accordance with a zoning permit issued pursuant to this Section.
B. If a structure located on a lot where a non-conforming situation exists is damaged to an extent that the costs of repair or replacement exceed fifty percent (50%) of the appraised valuation of the damaged structure, then the damaged structure may be repaired or replaced only in accordance with a zoning permit issued pursuant to this Section. This Subsection does not apply to structures used for single-family residential purposes, which structures may be reconstructed pursuant to a zoning permit just as they may be enlarged or replaced as provided in Section
400.475(E).
C. For the purposes of Subsections
(A) and
(B):
1.
The "cost" of renovation or repair or replacement
shall mean the fair market value of the materials and services necessary
to accomplish such renovation, repair or replacement.
2.
The
"cost" of renovation or repair or replacement shall mean the total cost of all such intended work and no person may seek to avoid the intent of Subsections
(A) or
(B) by doing such work incrementally.
3.
The "appraised valuation" shall mean either
the appraised valuation for property tax purposes, updated as necessary
by the increase in the consumer price index since the date of the
last valuation or the valuation determined by a professionally recognized
property appraiser.
D. The Administrator shall issue a permit authorized by this Section
if he/she finds that, in completing the renovation, repair or replacement
work:
1.
No violation of Section
400.475 will occur; and
2.
The permittee will comply to the extent reasonably possible
with all provisions of these regulations applicable to the existing
use (except that the permittee shall not lose his/her right to continue
a non-conforming use).
E. Compliance with a requirement of these regulations is not reasonably
possible if compliance cannot be achieved without adding additional
land to the lot where the non-conforming situation is maintained or
moving a substantial structure that is on a permanent foundation.
Mere financial hardship caused by the cost of meeting such requirements
as paved parking does not constitute grounds for finding that compliance
is not reasonably possible.
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §126), 11-2-2004]
A. A change in use of property (where a non-conforming situation exists) that is sufficiently substantial to require a new zoning or conditional use permit in accordance with Section
400.210 may not be made except in accordance with Subsections
(B) through
(D).
B. If the intended change in use is to a principal use that is permitted
in the district where the property is located and all of the other
requirements of these regulations to that use can be complied with,
permission to make the change must be obtained in the same manner
as permission to make the initial use of a vacant lot. Once conformity
with these regulations is achieved, the property shall not revert
to its non-conforming status.
C. If the intended change in use is to a principal use that is permitted
in the district where the property is located, but all of the requirements
of these regulations applicable to that use cannot reasonably be complied
with, then the permit may be issued only if the permit issuing authority
finds, in addition to any other findings that may be required by these
regulations, that:
1.
The intended change will not result in a violation of Section
400.475; and
2.
All of the applicable requirements of these regulations that
can reasonably be complied with will be complied with. Compliance
with a requirement of these regulations is not reasonably possible
if compliance cannot be achieved without adding additional land to
the lot where the non-conforming situation is maintained or moving
a substantial structure that is on a permanent foundation. Mere financial
hardship caused by the cost of meeting such requirements such as paved
parking does not constitute grounds for finding that compliance is
not reasonably possible. In no case may an applicant be given permission
pursuant to this Subsection to construct a building or add to an existing
building if additional non-conformities would thereby be created.
D. If the intended change in use is to another principal use that is
also non-conforming, then the change is permissible only if the entity
authorized by these regulations to issue a permit for that particular
use (Administrator, Board of Adjustment or Planning and Zoning Commission)
issues a permit authorizing the change. The permit issuing authority
may issue the permit if it finds, in addition to other findings that
may be required by these regulations, that:
1.
The use requested is one that is permissible in some zoning
district with either a zoning or conditional use permit; and
2.
All of the conditions applicable to the permit authorized in Subsection
(C) of this Section are satisfied; and
3.
The proposed development will have less of an adverse impact
on those most affected by it and will be more compatible with the
surrounding neighborhood than the non-conforming use in operation
at the time the permit is applied for.
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §127), 11-2-2004]
A. When a non-conforming use is discontinued for a consecutive period
of one (1) year, the property involved may thereafter be used only
for conforming purposes.
B. If the principal activity on property where a non-conformity other
than a non-conforming use exists is:
1.
Discontinued for a consecutive period of one (1) year; or
2.
Discontinued for any period of time without a present intention
of resuming that activity, then that property may thereafter be used
only in conformity with all of the regulations applicable to the pre-existing
use unless the entity with the authority to issue a permit for the
intended use issues a permit to allow the property to be used for
this purpose without correcting the non-conforming situations. This
permit may be issued if the permit issuing authority finds that eliminating
a particular non-conformity is not reasonably possible (i.e., cannot
be accomplished without adding additional land to the lot where the
non-conforming situation is maintained or moving a substantial structure
that is on a permanent foundation). The permit shall specify which
non-conformities need not be corrected.
C. For purposes of determining whether a right to continue a non-conforming
situation is lost pursuant to this Section, all of the buildings,
activities and operations maintained on a lot are generally to be
considered as a whole. For example, the failure to rent one (1) apartment
in a non-conforming apartment building for one (1) year shall not
result in a loss of the right to rent that apartment or space thereafter
so long as the apartment building as a whole is continuously maintained.
But if a non-conforming use is maintained in conjunction with a conforming
use, discontinuance of a non-conforming use for the required period
shall terminate the right to maintain thereafter.
D. When a structure or operation made non-conforming by these regulations
is vacant or discontinued at the effective date of these regulations,
the one (1) year period for purposes of this Section begins to run
on the effective date of these regulations.
[Ord. No. 2974 §1(Art. 8 §128), 11-2-2004]
A. All non-conforming projects on which construction was begun at least
one hundred eighty (180) days before the effective date of these regulations
as well as all non-conforming projects that are at least ten percent
(10%) completed in terms of the total expected cost of the project
on the effective date of these regulations may be completed in accordance
with the terms of their permits, so long as these permits were validly
issued and remain unrevoked and unexpired. If a development is designed
to be completed in stages, this Subsection shall apply only to the
particular phase under construction.
B. Except as provided in Subsection
(A), all work on any non-conforming project shall cease on the effective date of these regulations and all permits previously issued for work on non-conforming projects may begin or may be continued only pursuant to a zoning, conditional use or sign permit issued in accordance with this Section by the individual or board authorized by these regulations to issue permits for the type of development proposed. The permit issuing authority shall issue such a permit if it finds that the applicant has in good faith made substantial expenditures or incurred substantial binding obligations or otherwise changed his/her position in some substantial way in reasonable reliance on the land use law as it existed before the effective date of these regulations and thereby would be unreasonably prejudiced if not allowed to complete his/her project as proposed. In considering whether these findings may be made, the permit issuing authority shall be guided by the following, as well as other relevant considerations:
1.
All expenditures made to obtain or pursuant to a validly issued
and unrevoked building, zoning, sign or conditional use permit shall
be considered as evidence of reasonable reliance on the land use law
that existed before these regulations became effective.
2.
Except as provided in Subdivision (B)(1), no expenditures made
more than one hundred eighty (180) days before the effective date
of these regulations may be considered as evidence of reasonable reliance
on the land use law that existed before these regulations became effective.
An expenditure is made at the time a party incurs a binding obligation
to make that expenditure.
3.
To the extent that expenditures are recoverable with a reasonable
effort, a party shall not be considered prejudiced by having made
those expenditures. For example, a party shall not be considered prejudiced
by having made some expenditure to acquire a potential development
site if the property obtained is approximately as valuable under the
new classification as it was under the old, for the expenditure can
be recovered by a resale of the property.
4.
To the extent that a non-conforming project can be made conforming
and that expenditures made or obligations incurred can be effectively
utilized in the completion of a conforming project, a party shall
not be considered prejudiced by having made such expenditures.
5.
An expenditure shall be considered substantial if it is significant
both in dollar amount and in terms of:
a.
The total estimated cost of the proposed project; and
b.
The ordinary business practices of the developer.
6.
A person shall be considered to have acted in good faith if
actual knowledge of a proposed change in the land use law affecting
the proposed development site could not be attributed to him/her.
7.
Even though a person had actual knowledge of a proposed change
in the land use law affecting a development site, the permit issuing
authority may still find that he/she acted in good faith if he/she
did not proceed with his/her plans in a deliberate attempt to circumvent
the effects of the proposed ordinance. The permit issuing authority
may find that the developer did not proceed in an attempt to undermine
the proposed ordinance if it determines that:
a.
At the time the expenditures were made, either there was considerable
doubt about whether any ordinance would ultimately be passed or it
was not clear that the proposed ordinance would prohibit the intended
development; and
b.
The developer had legitimate business reasons for making expenditures.
C. When it appears from the developer's plans or otherwise that a project was intended to be or reasonably could be completed in phases, stages, segments or other discrete units, the developer shall be allowed to complete only those phases or segments with respect to which the developer can make the showing required under Subsection
(B). In addition to the matters and subject to the guidelines set forth in Subdivisions (1) through (6) of Subsection
(B), the permit issuing authority shall, in determining whether a developer would be unreasonably prejudiced if not allowed to complete phases or segments of a non-conforming project, consider the following in addition to other relevant factors:
1.
Whether any plans prepared or approved regarding uncompleted
phases constitute conceptual plans only or construction drawings based
upon detailed surveying, architectural or engineering work.
2.
Whether any improvements, such as streets or utilities, have
been installed in phases not yet completed.
3.
Whether utilities and other facilities installed in completed
phases have been constructed in such a manner or location or such
a scale, in anticipation of connection to or interrelationship with
approved but uncompleted phases, that the investment in such utilities
or other facilities cannot be recouped if such approved but uncompleted
phases are constructed in conformity with existing regulations.
D. The permit issuing authority shall not consider any application for the permit authorized by Subsection
(B) that is submitted more than sixty (60) days after the effective date of these regulations. The permit issuing authority may waive this requirement for good cause shown, but in no case may it extend the application deadline beyond one (1) year.
E. The Administrator shall send copies of this Section to the persons
listed as owners for tax purposes (and developers, if different from
the owners) of all properties in regard to which permits have been
issued for non-conforming projects or in regard to which a non-conforming
project is otherwise known to be in some stage of development. This
notice shall be sent by certified mail not less than fifteen (15)
days before the effective date of these regulations.
F. The permit issuing authority shall establish expedited procedures
for hearing applications for permits under this Section. These applications
shall be heard, whenever possible, before the effective date of these
regulations, so that construction work is not needlessly interrupted.