If a lawful use of a structure or of structures and land in combination exists on the effective date of this Zoning Code, or any amendment thereto, which would not be allowed in the district under the regulations of this Zoning Code, the lawful use may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following regulations:
(a) No existing structure devoted to a use not permitted by this Zoning Code in the district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended, constructed, reconstructed, moved or structurally altered except in changing the use of the structure to a use permitted in the district in which it is located.
(b) Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout any parts of a building which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use and which existed on the effective date of this Zoning Code, or any amendment thereto, but no such use shall be extended to occupy any land outside such building.
(c) If no structural alterations are made, any nonconforming use of a structure or structures and premises may be changed to another nonconforming use, provided that the Board of Appeals, by making findings in the specific case, shall find that the proposed use is equally compatible or more compatible to the district than the existing nonconforming use. In permitting such change, the Board of Appeals may require appropriate conditions and safeguards in accordance with the purpose and intent of this Zoning Code.
(d) Any structure or structure and land in combination in or on which a nonconforming use is superseded by a permitted use shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the district in which such structure is located, and the nonconforming use may not be resumed.
(e) When a nonconforming use of a structure or structure and premises in combination is discontinued or ceases to exist for six consecutive months, or for eighteen months during any three-year period, the structure or structure and premises in combination shall not thereafter be used except in conformance with the regulations of the district in which it is located. Structures occupied by successive seasonal uses shall be excepted from this regulation.
(f) Where nonconforming use status applies to a structure and premises in combination, removal or destruction of the structure shall eliminate the nonconforming status of the land.
(Ord. 260. Passed 7-9-79.)