Except as otherwise provided in this article, the lawful use of a structure or land existing at the effective date of this chapter may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, and becomes a nonconforming use as defined in Article II.
A.
Structural alterations of a building or structure or the use of a
structure, building, parcel, lot, or tract of land which does not
conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed only if
the building or structure to be altered or the structure, building,
parcel, lot, or tract of land to be used is in conformance with the
requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
B.
Upon application, the Board of Appeals may approve the structural
alteration of a building or structure or the extension of use of a
structure, building, parcel, lot or tract of land which is not in
conformance with the provisions of this chapter, provided that:
(1)
The alteration or extension of the structure or use shall be restricted
to an additional area not exceeding 35% of those existing buildings,
structures, parcels, lots, or tracts of land devoted to the nonconforming
structure or use.
(2)
The alteration or extension shall not be in violation of the setback,
yard and height regulations in the district in which the structure
or use is located.
A.
Structures damaged by fire or other causes to the extent of more than 75% of the market value of the structure shall not be repaired, reconstructed or used for the same nonconforming use without the approval of the Board of Appeals granted as a special exception pursuant to Article XIV.
B.
Structures damaged to the extent of 75% or less of the market value
may be reconstructed, repaired or used for the same nonconforming
use without action by the Board of Appeals.
Whenever a nonconforming use has been discontinued for a period
of one year, such use shall not thereafter be reestablished, and any
future use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
A.
Once changed to a conforming use, no structure or land shall be permitted
to revert to a nonconforming use.
Upon application by the owner or agent of any nonconforming
use, structure or property, the Zoning Administrator shall issue a
certificate recording the fact of such nonconforming use, structure
or property. Such certificate may be used as evidence in asserting
rights pursuant to this article.