Any nonconforming use, structure, or other nonconformity which is not thus occupied or so used for a continuous period of one year shall be deemed abandoned and shall not thereafter be reoccupied or used except in a manner that conforms to the requirements of this title.
A. Presumption Of Abandonment: A nonconforming use, structure, or other nonconformity shall be presumed abandoned when any of the following occurs:
1. The owner has in writing or by public statement indicated intent to abandon the use, structure, or other nonconformity;
2. A less intensive use has replaced the original nonconforming use;
3. The owner has physically changed the structure or its permanent equipment in such a way as to indicate a change in use or activity to something other than the nonconforming use; or
4. The structure has been removed through applicable procedures for the condemnation of unsafe structures.
B. Overcoming Presumption Of Abandonment: A presumption of abandonment may be rebutted upon evidence presented by the owner showing no intent to abandon the use, structure, or other nonconformity. Such evidence may include proof that during the alleged period of abandonment the owner has done either of the following:
1. Maintained the lot and structure, if any, in accordance with the building code; or
2. Has actively and continuously marketed the lot or structure for sale or lease. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001)