It is the intent of this article to promote land use conformities,
except that a nonconforming condition is permitted to continue as
it existed prior to the date such condition became nonconforming under
the provisions of this article, as amended. Except as otherwise provided
in this article, a nonconforming condition shall not be permitted
to become more nonconforming.
A building or structure, other than a single-family dwelling,
which is nonconforming as to the requirements for off-street parking
and/or loading space, shall not be extended or enlarged in any manner
unless off-street parking and/or loading space is provided to bring
parking and/or loading space into conformance with the requirements
of this chapter for both the addition or alteration and for the original
building or structure.
Once converted to a conforming structure, use or lot, no structure,
use or lot shall revert to a nonconforming status.
Vested rights shall not arise by the mere filing of a notice
of intent to build, an application for a building permit, or an application
for required state permits and approvals. Such rights shall only arise
when actual construction has begun, or, in the case of pending applications
under this chapter, when the substantive review of a complete application
commences. To establish vested rights, construction must be legal
in all respects at the time it is commenced and the owner must be
in possession of and in compliance with all validly issued permits,
both state and local.