This zoning chapter shall not apply to structures or uses lawfully in existence or lawfully begun, or to a building or special permit issued before the first publication of notice of the public hearing required by G.L. c. 40A, § 5 at which this zoning chapter, or any relevant part thereof, was adopted. Such prior, lawfully existing nonconforming uses and structures may continue, provided that no modification of the use or structure is accomplished, or unless authorized hereunder.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part))
A. 
Upon the issuance of a special permit from the city council, nonconforming uses may be modified as follows:
1. 
Change or substantial extension of the use;
2. 
Change from one nonconforming use to another, less detrimental, nonconforming use.
B. 
The city council may award a special permit only if it determines that such change or extension shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part))
A. 
Upon the issuance of a special permit from the city council, nonconforming structures (excluding single-and two-family residential structures) may be modified as follows:
1. 
Reconstructed, extended or structurally changed;
2. 
Altered to provide for a substantially different purpose or for the same purpose in a substantially different manner or to a substantially greater extent.
B. 
The city council may award a special permit only if it determines that such reconstruction, extension, alteration or change shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming structure to the neighborhood. The reconstruction, extension, alteration or change of a nonconforming structure, as set forth herein, shall include any increase of an existing nonconformity, or the creation of a new nonconformity and shall require only the award of a special permit as authorized under this section.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part); C.O. 07-19 § 4)
Nonconforming single-and two-family residential structures may be reconstructed, extended, altered or structurally changed: (a) upon a determination by the building inspector that such proposed reconstruction, extension, alteration or change does not increase the nonconforming nature of said structure; and (b) the issuance of a building permit, where applicable. In the event that the building inspector determines that the nonconforming nature of such structure would be increased by the proposed reconstruction, extension, alteration or change, the board of appeals may, by special permit, allow such reconstruction, extension, alteration or change where it determines that the proposed modification will not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming structure to the neighborhood.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part))
A nonconforming use or structure which has been abandoned, or not used for a period of two years, shall lose its protected status and be subject to all of the provisions of this zoning chapter.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part))
No nonconforming use shall, if changed to a conforming use, revert back to a nonconforming use.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part))
Nonconforming lots shall not be further reduced in size except through the exercise of eminent domain after the date from which this title derives.
(C.O. 96-17 § 39 (part))