A structure or the use of a structure or premises which was lawful before the passage or amendment of this Ordinance but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance may be continued subject to the following conditions. Historic structures, as defined in Section 7F-200.21 of this Ordinance, shall be subject to the provisions of subsections A.-E. of this Article.
A. No such use shall be expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered in a way that increases its nonconformity.
B. Any structural alteration or addition to a nonconforming structure or nonconforming use which would result in increasing the flood damage potential of that structure or use shall be protected to the Regulatory Flood Protection. Elevation in, accordance with any of the elevation on fill or flood proofing techniques (i.e., FP-1 through FP-4 flood-proofing classifications) allowable in the State Building Code, except as further restricted in C. and F. below.
C. The cost of all structural alterations or additions to any nonconforming structure over the life of the structure shall not exceed 50% of the market value of the structure unless the conditions of this Section are satisfied. The cost of all structural alterations and additions must include all costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all manpower or labor. If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and additions exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure, then the structure must meet the standards of Article IV of this Ordinance for new structures, depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District, respectively.
D. If any nonconforming use is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any future use of the building premises shall conform to this Ordinance. The Assessor shall notify the Zoning Administrator in writing of instances of nonconforming uses that have been discontinued for a period of 12 months.
E. If any nonconforming use or structure is substantially damaged, as defined in Section 7F-200.20 of this Ordinance, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance. The applicable provisions for establishing new uses or new structures in Article IV will apply depending upon whether the use or structure is in the Floodway, Flood Fringe or General Floodplain District.
F. If a substantial improvement occurs, as defined in Section 7F-200.21 of this Ordinance, from any combination of a building addition to the outside dimensions of the existing building or a rehabilitation, reconstruction, alteration, or other improvement to the inside dimensions of an existing nonconforming building, then the building addition and the existing nonconforming building must meet the requirements of Article IV of this Ordinance for new structures, depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District.