(A) It is the intent of this chapter to permit legal nonconforming lots, structures, or uses to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival.
(B) It is recognized that there exists within the districts established by this chapter and subsequent amendments, lots, structures, and uses of land and structures which were lawful before this chapter was passed or amended which would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments.
(C) Such uses are declared by this chapter to be incompatible with permitted uses in the districts involved. It is further the intent of this chapter 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.
(D) 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 chapter by attachment on a building or premises of 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.
(E) (1) To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter 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 effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter and upon which actual building construction has been diligently carried on.
(2) ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION is hereby defined to include the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastened 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, work shall be diligently carried on until completion of the building involved.
(Ord. 259, passed 10-24-1995; Ord. passed 2-1-2012)