(a) Any lawful use of property existing at the time of the passage of Ord. R69 that does not conform to the regulations prescribed in the preceding sections of this article shall be deemed a nonconforming use and such nonconforming use may be continued but if such nonconforming use is discontinued any further use of the premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this article. A nonconforming use, if changed to a more restricted use, or to a conforming use, may not thereafter be changed back to a less restricted use.
(b) A building arranged, designed or devoted to a nonconforming use may not be reconstructed or structurally altered to an extent exceeding in aggregate cost during any ten-year period, 60% of the assessed value of the building, unless the use of the building is changed to a conforming use: provided, that this article shall not prevent the restoration of a building damaged no more than 50% of its assessed valuation by fire, explosive, act of God or the public enemy.
(1987 Code, § 16-307)