All structures, lots, uses of structures and uses of land that do not conform to the regulations of the district in which they are located after the effective date of this chapter or amendment thereto, shall be regarded as nonconforming and may be continued so long as they remain otherwise lawful, including subsequent sales of property. Such uses must comply with all safety related and other applicable regulations.
Once changed to a conforming use, no structure or land shall be permitted to revert to a nonconforming use. A nonconforming use may be changed to another equally restrictive or more restrictive nonconforming use only if permitted as a special exception and subject to the following conditions:
A. The applicant shall show that the nonconforming use cannot be reasonably changed to a conforming use.
B. The applicant shall show that the proposed change will be no more objectionable in external effects than the existing nonconforming use, or will be more appropriate than the existing nonconforming use with regard to:
(1) Traffic generation and congestion.
(3) Noise, smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, gases, heat, odor, glare or vibration.
(5) Sanitary sewage disposal.
Where a nonconforming use is conducted entirely on unenclosed premises, no structure to house or enclose such use, whether or not such structure would otherwise conform to zoning regulations, shall be permitted to be erected on the premises.
If a nonconforming use of a building or land is abandoned for six consecutive months or more, whereby the owner evidences and intention to discontinue the use, the subsequent use of such a building or land shall conform to the regulations of the district in which it is located, unless another nonconforming use is approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. Such approved use shall be initiated within 90 days after the end of the six-month period.
A nonconforming use or structure may be extended, enlarged or altered when so authorized by the Zoning Officer, provided that the following conditions are met and a permit is obtained as per §
600-206.
A. It is clear that such enlargement or extension is not materially detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the surrounding area.
B. The proposed enlargement or extension only occurs on the tract where the nonconformity is currently located.
C. The area devoted to the nonconforming use shall not be increased by more than 25%. The nonconforming structure shall not be increased by more than 25% of its cubic content.
D. Any extension or enlargement of a building shall conform to the area, height and setback regulations of the district in which it is located.
E. Not more than one extension or enlargement to a nonconforming use or structure shall be granted.
No nonconforming use shall displace a conforming use.
A lot held in single and separate ownership on the effective date of this chapter which does not contain the required minimum area or width may be used for the construction, alteration or reconstruction of a building, or may be otherwise used if the construction, alteration, reconstruction or other use is in compliance with the use, yard and setback provisions of this chapter.
No lot area shall be so reduced that the area of the lot or the dimensions of the open space shall be smaller than herein prescribed.
Regulations for nonconforming signs are in Article
XIX relating to signs.
The Zoning Officer may prepare, or cause to be prepared, within three years after the effective date of this chapter, a complete list of all nonconforming uses, structures, lots and signs in the Township.
Whenever a lot is sold to a new owner, a previously lawful nonconforming use may be continued by the new owner.
A nonconforming structure altered or a nonconforming use created in violation of any previous provisions in this article shall be regarded as continuing in such violation and shall not enjoy the privilege of legal continuance conferred by §
600-217 upon other nonconforming structures and uses.