(a) Within the districts established by this Zoning Ordinance or amendments that may later be adopted, there exist lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and characteristics of use which were lawful before this Zoning Ordinance was passed or amended which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this Zoning Ordinance, or future amendments. It is the intent of this Zoning Ordinance to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, to provide for their conversion into conforming uses as soon as it is reasonably possible, but not to encourage additional nonconformities.
(b) Uses under conditional use provisions not nonconforming uses. Any use which is permitted as a conditional use in a district under the terms of this Zoning ordinance shall not be deemed a nonconforming use in such district, but shall, without further action, be considered a conforming use. (Ord. 97-3. Passed 5-19-97.)