A.
Within the land use districts established by this title or any amendments that may later be adopted, there may exist lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and characteristics of use which were lawful before the effective date of the applicable regulations, but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter, or a future amendment thereof. It is the intent of this chapter to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their perpetuation.
B.
Because nonconformities do not conform with regulations within given land use districts, they are declared by this chapter to be incompatible with uses in the districts involved. A nonconforming use of land or structure, or a nonconforming use of structures and land in combination, shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of this chapter by the addition of other uses of a nature which would be prohibited generally in the district involved.
C.
To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building actually under construction prior to the original effective date of adoption or amendment of this title, and upon which actual building construction has been carried out diligently. "Actual construction" is hereby defined as the placing of construction materials in a permanent location and fastened in a permanent manner or excavation or demolition or removal of an existing building preparatory to rebuilding or construction of a new building in conformance with an issued construction permit; provided, that the demolition work and/or excavation work has been carried out diligently.
(Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009; Formerly Ch. 10.41 Art. VII)