(A) Scope of regulations. No structure or tract of land shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no structure, or part thereof, shall be erected, altered, or moved, except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. However, where a building permit for a building or structure has been issued in accordance with law prior to the effective date of this chapter, and construction is begun within six months of the effective date, the building or structure may be completed in accordance with the approved plans. The effective date shall be February 17, 1992. Furthermore, upon completion, the building may be occupied and a certificate of occupancy for the use for which the building was originally designated, subject thereafter to the provisions of §§ 154.050 through 154.054 concerning nonconformities. Any subsequent text or map amendments shall not affect previously issued valid permits.
(B) Minimum requirements. The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of public health, safety, convenience, comfort, morals, prosperity, and general welfare.
(C) Relationship to other ordinances or agreements. This chapter is not intended to abrogate or annul any ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, easement, covenant, or other private agreement previously adopted, issued, or entered into and not in conflict with the provisions of this chapter. However, where the regulations of this chapter are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements than other ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, easements, covenants, or other private agreements, the requirements of this chapter shall govern.
(D) Vested right. Nothing in this chapter should be interpreted or construed to give rise to any permanent vested rights in the continuation of any particular use, district, zoning classification, or permissible activities therein. Furthermore, any rights as may exist through enforcement of this chapter are hereby declared to be subject to subsequent amendment, change or modification as may be necessary for the preservation or protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
(E) Conformity with yard and bulk regulations.
(1) The owner of a building or the property on which it is located shall maintain all required setbacks, open space, and other minimum yard and bulk requirements for as long as the building is in existence.
(2) No portion of a lot used in complying with the provisions of this chapter in connection with an existing or planned building, shall again be used to qualify or justify any other building or structure existing or intended to exist at the same time.
(F) Division and consolidation of land. No zoning lot shall hereafter be divided into two or more zoning lots, and no portion of any zoning lot shall be sold, unless all zoning lots resulting from each division or sale conform with all regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located.
(G) Unlawful buildings, structures, site designs and uses. A building, structure, or use which was not lawfully existing at the time of adoption of this chapter shall not be made lawful solely by adoption of this chapter. In case any building, or part thereof, is used, erected, occupied or altered contrary to the provisions of this chapter, the building or use shall be deemed an unlawful nuisance and may be required to be vacated, torn down or abated by any legal means, and shall not be used or occupied until it has been made to conform to the provisions of this chapter. Public expenditures toward abating any nuisance shall become a lien upon the land.
(H) Voting place. The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to interfere with the temporary use of any property as a voting place in connection with a public election.
(Ord. 92-005, passed 2-17-92) Penalty, see § 154.999