A nonconforming use of any building or lot may not be changed
to another use unless the new use is a permitted use in the zoning
district in which it is located and complies with the provisions of
this chapter. When a nonconforming use is replaced by a permitted
use, the building or lot shall not thereafter be used or occupied
by a nonconforming use.
Structural alterations designed to extend the life of a nonconformity
shall not be made to a nonconforming building or structure, except
when:
A. Required by law or a regulatory authority pursuant to law;
B. The alteration will result in the elimination of the nonconformity;
C. A building in a residential district containing nonconforming residential
uses is being altered to improve the livability, provided that the
structural alterations shall not increase the number of dwelling units
or increase the nonconformity; or
D. Routine repairs and maintenance on nonconforming buildings or structures
shall be permitted.
When any nonconforming use has been discontinued for a period
of 12 consecutive months, regardless of any intent to resume operations,
the nonconforming use shall be presumed to be abandoned and the rights
provided by this article shall be forfeited and any subsequent use
of the premises shall follow the requirements applicable to the zoning
district in which the use is located.