1162.02 PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS.

   (a)   Nonconformities. It is recognized that there exist within the districts established by this Ordinance and its amendments, lots, structures and uses of land and structures which were lawful before this Ordinance was passed or amended, which would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of this Ordinance or future amendments.

   (b)   Non-Precedent. Such uses are declared by this Ordinance to be incompatible with permitted uses in the districts involved. It is further the intent of this Ordinance that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same District and shall be brought into conformity with this Ordinance as soon as practicable.

   (c)   Containment. A nonconforming use of a structure, a nonconforming use of land, or a nonconforming use of a structure and land shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of this Ordinance by attachment of a building or premises or additional signs intended to be seen from off the premises, or by addition of other uses of a nature which would not be permitted generally in the district involved.

   (d)   Projects at Time of Code Adoption. To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction, or designated use of any building for which a zoning permit was lawfully acquired prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Ordinance. Actual construction is hereby defined to include the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastening each in a permanent manner; except that where demolition or removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such demolition or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction, provided that the work (demolition and construction) shall be diligently carried on until completion of the building involved.

(Ord. 2023-115. Passed 12-19-23.)