(a) Within the districts established by this Zoning Code or amendments thereto that may later be adopted there exist lots, structures and uses of land and structures which were lawful before this Zoning Code was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited under the terms of this Zoning Code or any future amendment.
(b) It is the intent of this Zoning Code to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival. It is further the intent of this Zoning Code that nonconforming uses shall not be enlarged upon, expanded nor extended, nor be used as a basis for additional structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district. Structures which are nonconforming due to front, side or rear yard requirements may be expanded or extended in conformance with this Zoning Code. Variances of area, width, and yard requirements may be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals where necessary and where such addition does not create an unusual neighborhood building type.
(c) To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this Zoning Code shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Code and upon which actual building construction has been diligently carried on. Actual construction is hereby defined to include the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastened in a permanent manner, and demolition, elimination and removal of an existing structure in connection with such construction, provided that actual construction work shall be diligently carried on until the completion of the building involved.
(Ord. 34-17. Effective 12-7-17.)