(A) Discontinuance. In the event that a nonconforming use of any building or premises is discontinued or its normal operation stopped for a period of one year, the use of the same shall thereafter conform to the regulations of the district in which it is located.
(B) Alterations.
(1) The lawful use of a building existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may be continued, although the use does not conform with the provisions hereof. If no structural alterations are made, a nonconforming use of a building may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or more restricted classification.
(2) The foregoing provisions shall also apply to nonconforming uses in districts hereafter changed.
(3) Whenever a nonconforming use of a building has been changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use, the use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted use.
(C) Restoration. If an owner does not apply for a building permit to rebuild a building damaged by fire, explosion, act of God or the public enemy, to the extent of more than 50% of its value, within 180 days, that building shall not be restored except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter.
(D) Residential alterations. Alterations may be made to a residential building containing nonconforming residential units when they will improve the livability of the units provided, however, that they do not increase the number of dwelling units in the building.
(E) Normal maintenance.
(1) Maintenance of a building or other structure containing or used for a nonconforming use may be permitted when it includes necessary non-structural repairs and incidental alterations, which do not extend or intensify the nonconforming building or use.
(2) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the placing of a structure in safe condition when the structure is declared unsafe by the city.
(Ord. 266, passed 5- -2008)