1. Extension of use. Nonconforming buildings and nonconforming uses may be enlarged provided the provisions of this section are met. Additionally, no nonconforming structure or use may be enlarged or altered in anyway which increases its dimensional deficiencies.
2. Change of use. The lawful use of a building existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may be continued, even though such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter. Furthermore, such building may be reconstructed or structurally altered and any nonconforming use therein changed subject to the following regulations:
a. The order of classification of uses from highest to lowest for the purpose of this section shall be as follows: residential district uses, business district uses, industrial district uses, as permitted by this chapter.
b. A nonconforming use may be changed to a use of higher classification but not to a use of lower classification. A nonconforming use may not be changed to another use of the same classification unless the new use shall be deemed by the Board of Adjustment, after public notice and hearing, to be less harmful to the surrounding neighborhood, than the existing nonconforming use.
c. A nonconforming commercial or industrial use may not be extended, but the extension of a use to any portion of a building, which portion is at the time of the adoption of this chapter primarily designed for such nonconforming use, shall not be deemed to be an extension of a nonconforming use.
d. Existing single-family residential structures in the business or industrial districts may be enlarged, extended or structurally altered or rebuilt, provided that no additional dwelling units result therefrom.
3. Cessation of use. If a nonconforming use is discontinued for a consecutive period of one hundred eighty (180) days, any future use of the buildings and premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. of 12-7-04, No. 37-02)