It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the regulation of nonconforming buildings, structures and uses. It is not the purpose of this chapter to deprive the owner of the use or maintenance of any property for the purpose to which it is lawfully devoted at the effective date hereof, but to provide for the eventual elimination of uses, buildings, or structures which are incompatible with the character of the district in which they are located. (Ord. 1150, 4-2-1996)