(A) It is recognized that there exists within zoning districts certain lots, buildings, structures and uses which were lawful before this chapter was passed or amended, but are now prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter. It is the intent to permit these legal non-conformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival.
(B) Non-conforming lots, buildings, structures and uses are declared by this chapter to be incompatible with the provisions of the districts in which they are located. It is the intent of this chapter that these non-conformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, except as otherwise permitted in this subchapter, nor be used as grounds for adding other buildings, structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the district.
(C) 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 conducted.
(D) Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted as authorization for, or approval of, the continuance of the use of a structure or premises in violation of the zoning regulation in effect at the time of the adoption of this chapter.
(Prior Code, § 5.150)