Within the districts established by this chapter
or amendments that may later be adopted, there exist lots, structures
and uses of land and structures which were lawful before this chapter
was passed or amended but which would be prohibited, regulated or
restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendment. It
is the intent of this chapter to permit these nonconformities to continue
until they are removed. 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, except for single- and
two-family residences, nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon,
expanded or extended nor be used as grounds for adding other structures
or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district, unless to make
such use or structure conform to the minimum requirements of this
chapter.
On any building devoted in whole or in part
to any nonconforming use, repairs and maintenance may be made. Said
repairs shall be limited to routine or ordinary repairs. Nothing in
this chapter shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe
condition any wall, floor or roof which has been declared unsafe by
the Building Official.
A nonconforming use of a structure, a nonconforming
use of land or a nonconforming use of a structure and land shall not
be extended or enlarged after passage of this chapter, by attachment
on a building or premises or addition, signs intended to be seen from
off the premises or by the addition of other uses of a nature which
would be prohibited generally in the district involved.
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 on which actual construction was lawfully
begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this
chapter and upon which actual building construction has been diligently
carried on. "Actual construction" is hereby defined to include the
placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastened
in a permanent manner according to architectural and engineering design,
except that where demolition or removal of an existing building has
been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such demolition
or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction, provided that
work shall be diligently carried on until completion of the building
involved.