The lawful use of a building or premises existing at the time of passage of this chapter may be continued although the use does not conform to all provisions thereof, except as provided in § 155.078. Nothing herein contained shall require any change in the plans, construction, or designated use of a building for which a building permit has been heretofore issued and the construction of which has been diligently prosecuted within 90 days of the date of the permit and which entire building shall be completed according to the plans, as filed within three years from the date of passage of this chapter. A nonconforming use may be extended throughout a building, provided no structural alterations are made therein, except those required by law. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or greater restrictions, provided no structural changes are made in the building. However, if a nonconforming use has been changed to a conforming use or to a use permitted in a district of greater restrictions, it shall not thereafter be changed to a nonconforming use or a less restricted one. In the event that a nonconforming use of any building or premises ceases for a period of six months, the use of the same shall thereafter conform to the uses permitted in the district in which it is located.
(1985 Code, § 8-4-2) (Ord. passed 3-25-1957; Ord. 2002-5, passed 10-22-2002)