The purpose of this article is to regulate nonconforming uses, structures, lots and signs as per the following:
A. The zoning districts established by this chapter are designed to guide the future use of the City's land by encouraging the development of desirable residential, commercial and industrial areas with appropriate groupings of compatible and related uses and thus to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
B. The continued existence of certain nonconformities is frequently inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan and thus the gradual elimination of such nonconformities is often desirable. Other nonconformities may continue to exist and afford adaptive reuse opportunities that can contribute to neighborhood character, diversity and services.
C. The regulations of this article are intended to restrict further investments that would make nonconformities more permanent in their location in inappropriate districts as well as to afford opportunities for creative use and reuse of those other nonconformities that contribute to a neighborhood and are consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
D. Restrictions and standards are established for nonconforming uses of land and of structures designed for a permitted use; nonconforming uses of structures not designed for a permitted use; nonconforming structures; nonconforming lots of record; and nonconforming signs.
E. In the cases of nonconforming signs, where the degree of incompatibility is frequently great, the investment comparatively small, and the economic life short, elimination of the nonconformity is required after a period of discontinuance, change of business or substantial damage. In the case of advertising signs, a reasonable amortization period is allowed.
[Amended 6-17-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-183]
A. In any district in which single-family dwellings are a permitted use, notwithstanding the regulations imposed by any other provisions of this chapter, a single-family detached dwelling which complies with the yard, space and bulk requirements of the district in which it is located may be erected on a nonconforming lot.