(A) In the event that a zoning change has occurred or hereafter occurs in any land area where such land area was not previously covered by any zoning restrictions of any political subdivision of the State of Tennessee, or where such land area is covered by zoning restrictions of a political subdivision of the State of Tennessee and such zoning restrictions differ from zoning restrictions imposed after the zoning change, then any use or structure in operation, permitted to operate under zoning regulations or exceptions thereto prior to the zoning change shall be allowed to continue in operation and be permitted; provided that no change in the use of the land is undertaken by such use or establishment.
(B) When the use or structure permitted to continue, to expand, or to be rebuilt pursuant to this chapter is an off-premises sign, such use or structure shall not preclude any new or additional conforming use or structure on the property on which the sign structure is located or on any adjacent property under the same ownership, provided that any such new or additional use or structure does not result in any violations of the applicable zoning restrictions other than those nonconformities associated with the off-premises sign as allowed hereunder.
(C) The provisions are thus designed to preserve the character of the districts established in this subchapter and thus to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
(Ord. 2009-07, passed 7-13-09)