Within the districts established by this chapter
or amendments thereto, there exist lots, structures and uses of land
and structures which were lawful before adoption of this chapter but
which are prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this
chapter or an amendment. It is the intent of this chapter to permit
any nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to
encourage their survival. Such uses are declared by this chapter to
be incompatible with permitted uses in the districts involved. It
is further the intent of this chapter that nonconformities shall not
be enlarged, expanded or extended and shall not be used as grounds
for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same
district.
If two or more lots or combinations or portions
of lots with continuous frontage in single ownership, regardless of
separate deeds, are of record and if all or part of the lots do not
meet the requirements for lot width and area as established by this
chapter, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided
parcel for the purposes of this chapter, and no portion of the parcel
shall be used which does not meet lot width and area requirements
established by this chapter, nor shall there be any division of the
parcel.
Where a lawful use of land exists that is no
longer permissible under the terms of this chapter, the same use may
be continued. No such nonconforming use shall be enlarged, increased,
intensified, extended to occupy a greater area of structure or land
or moved in whole or in part to a different portion of the lot or
structures thereon.
When a nonconforming use is discontinued for
six consecutive months or for 18 months during any three-year period,
the structure and premises in combination shall be presumed to have
been abandoned and shall not thereafter be used except in conformance
with the regulations of the district in which it is located.