Every lot, building, structure or use not conforming to the
regulations of the district in which it is located at the time of
adoption of this chapter shall be a nonconformity.
All nonconforming contiguous lots in common ownership shall
be merged to the extent required to create a lot which conforms to
the area and width requirements of the district within which such
lot is located.
A nonconforming use may be extended throughout any parts of
a building which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use
at the time of adoption of this chapter. A nonconforming use may not
be changed to another nonconforming use.
Nothing in this article shall be deemed to prevent the strengthening
or restoring to a safe condition of any structure declared unsafe
by any public official.
A nonconforming use shall be deemed to have been abandoned upon
the occurrence of either of the following events:
A. It has been changed to a conforming use; or
B. The nonconforming use has ceased for any reason for a period of more
than 30 days.
A nonconforming building which has been destroyed by any means
other than an act of God or a fire to the extent of 50% or more of
either its value or its bulk may only be rebuilt as a conforming building.
A nonconforming building which has not been occupied for a period
of six consecutive months or for 18 months during any three-year period
may not thereafter be occupied until it is altered to comply with
this chapter.