(A) Application generally. Except as hereinafter provided, no building or structure shall be erected, moved, altered or extended and no land, building or structure or part thereof, shall be occupied or used unless in conformity with regulations specified in this chapter for the district in which it is located.
(B) Application to existing structures. This chapter shall not apply to existing buildings and structures, nor to the existing use of any building, structure or land to the extent of the use on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter was derived. However, this chapter shall apply to any change in use, alteration, extension or movement of a building or structure, and to any change in the use of land subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter was derived.
(C) Use definitions. For the purpose of this section, the word USE shall mean:
(1) Any purpose for which a building or structure or a tract of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied; or
(2) Any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on, or intended to be carried on, in a building or other structure, or on a tract of land.
(D) Interpretation and application. In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals and welfare.
(E) Conditions. Where the conditions imposed by any provision of this chapter are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by any other law, ordinance, statute, resolution or regulation of any kind, the regulations which are most restrictive or which impose higher standards or requirements shall prevail.
(Prior Code, § 12-56)