Within the district or zone established by this title or amendments that may later be adopted there exist:
A. Lots;
B. Structures;
C. Uses of land and structures; and
D. Characteristics of use;
which were lawful before this title was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this title or future amendment, it is the purpose of this title to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed. It is further the purpose of this title that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, and not be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same zone or district.
Nonconforming uses are declared by this title to be incompatible with permitted uses in the zones or districts involved. A nonconforming use of structure and land in combination shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of this title or its amendment by attachment on a building or premises, or by the addition of other uses, of a nature which would be prohibited generally in the zone or district involved.
To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this title 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 amendment of this title and upon which actual building construction has been carried on diligently. “Actual construction” is hereby defined to include the placing of construction materials in its permanent location, or demolition or removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such excavation or demolition or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction provided that work shall be carried on diligently. (Ord. 619, 4-13-2021)