(A) General. Within the zones established in this chapter, there exist nonconforming uses and structures which may continue to exist in accordance with the following provisions. The intent and goal of this section and this chapter is to lessen nonconforming uses and structures.
(B) Lots. In any zone permitting only single-family dwellings, a single-family dwelling shall be permitted on a lot which does not comply with the width and area requirements of this chapter, provided such lot was of record at the time of enactment of this chapter, and provided further that adjustments in yards are in accordance with provisions of this chapter. If two or more lots or parts of lots are in single ownership and enjoy continuous frontage at the time of the enactment of this chapter, and if all or part of such lots do not meet the width and area standards contained in this chapter, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel. No portion of said parcel shall be used in a manner which may reduce compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Uses of land; abandonment. A nonconforming use of land shall not be enlarged, expanded, nor extended to occupy a larger area of land than was occupied at the time of the enactment of this chapter. A nonconforming use may be extended throughout any part of an existing structure which was arranged for such use prior to the enactment of this chapter. Such use shall not be moved in whole or in part to another location on the lot or parcel of land other than that occupied by the use at the time of the enactment of this chapter. If any such use ceases for a period of more than six months (except when government action or legal proceedings impede access to the premises, as determined by the Board of Zoning Appeals), any subsequent use of such land shall conform with the provisions of this chapter unless 66% or more of the surrounding uses of land within a 660-foot radius are also nonconforming uses of the same restriction as said subsequent use, thereupon, the proponent of said subsequent use shall apply for a certificate of nonconformity under the established procedures and additionally provide signed affidavits affirming the existence of surrounding nonconforming uses, as herein defined, of the same restriction. Said six-month limitation shall constitute an abandonment of the nonconforming use. Provided however, a property owner may commence repairs on restoration as provided in § 152.035 within said six-month limitation and will not be declared an abandonment if said repairs are completed within a reasonable time.
(D) Structures. A nonconforming structure shall not be moved in whole or in part to another location on the lot or parcel of land unless said relocation would bring the structure into conformance with the provisions of this chapter. If a nonconforming structure is made to conform, any future expansion or enlargement of said structure shall be in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. A nonconforming structure may be expanded or enlarged provided such expansion or enlargement would not further encroach upon the nonconforming characteristic of the structure.
(E) Substitutions. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or greater restriction provided said change does not cause further violation of the performance standards of this chapter.
(Ord. 1991-07, passed 1-7-1991) Penalty, see § 10.99