A nonconforming building or structure or portion thereof, or a lot occupied by a nonconforming use which is, or which hereafter becomes, abandoned or discontinued for a continuous period of two (2) years or more shall not thereafter be occupied, except by a use which conforms to the regulations of the zone in which it is located; provided, the city council may, upon appeal, authorize the reestablishment of a nonconforming use which has been discontinued for a period longer than provided herein, where the weight of evidence clearly shows that the owner had no intention to terminate the nonconforming use and that the longer period of discontinuance was beyond the control of the owner. (Ord. 97-7-8-8, 7-8-1997)