A.
Existing lots, buildings, structures and uses of land that were lawfully established and have subsequently been prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the adoption or amendment of this Code, shall be considered nonconforming.
B.
Nonconforming uses are declared by this Code to be incompatible with permitted uses in the districts in which they are located. A nonconforming use of a structure, a nonconforming use of land, or a nonconforming lot, building, structure, or use shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of this Code by attachment on a building or by the addition of other uses of a nature which would be prohibited generally in the district involved.
(1)
Authority to continue. It is the intent of this article to permit nonconforming lots, buildings, structures, and uses to continue, within the parameters established in this article, until they are removed, but not to encourage their continued use or survival.
(2)
No expansion. It is the intent of this article that nonconforming lots, buildings, structures, and uses shall not be enlarged upon, expanded, or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other buildings, structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the district, except as may be provided for in this article.
(3)
Construction prior to effective date of this chapter. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Code and upon which actual building construction has been carried on diligently. Actual construction is hereby defined to include the placing of construction material in permanent position and fastened in a permanent manner. Where excavation or demolition or removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such excavation, demolition or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction provided that work shall be carried on diligently.
(4)
Acquisition of nonconformities. The City may acquire, through purchase or condemnation, private nonconforming lots, buildings, structures, and uses. The City Council may take action in the manner provided for by law.