The purpose of this article is to regulate nonconforming
uses, nonconforming buildings and structures, nonconforming lots and
nonconforming signs. The zoning districts established by this chapter
are designed to guide the future use of the Township's land by encouraging
the development of desirable residential, commercial and other uses
with appropriate groupings of compatible and related uses that promote
and protect the public health, safety and general welfare. 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 Township's Comprehensive
Plan.
The Zoning Officer shall identify and register
all nonconforming uses, buildings/structures, and lots within the
Township, together with the reasons why the Zoning Officer identified
them as nonconformities. Legally registered nonconforming uses shall
not lose their nonconforming status due to acquisition in part for
a state or local highway project, whether by amicable deed or condemnation,
that affects the dimensional nonconformity of the property. If a variance
request is deemed required for such a property, the impact of the
acquisition for public purposes shall be an unnecessary hardship to
the property.
Continuation of nonconforming signs. Subject
to the limitations and termination provisions hereinafter set forth,
any lawfully existing nonconforming sign may be continued so long
as it otherwise remains lawful after the effective date of this chapter:
A. Alteration or moving. A nonconforming sign of any
type may not be moved to another position or location upon the building,
structure or lot on which it is located, nor may the size or area
of such nonconforming sign be changed or its structure or construction
changed unless such changes are minor in nature.
B. Damage, destruction or replacement. Whenever any nonconforming
sign has been damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of 60%
of its market value at the time of destruction or damage, such sign
shall not be restored or replaced, unless it conforms to all provisions
of this chapter.
C. Abandonment. If use of a nonconforming sign is abandoned
for a continuous period of more than one year, then such nonconforming
sign together with its panel cabinet, supports, braces, anchors, and
electrical equipment shall be removed within 14 days from the end
of the aforesaid one-year period and the use of such sign shall not
be resumed except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.