(A) It is the intent of this chapter to permit the continuation of those nonconforming structures, uses of structures, uses of land, or structures and land in combination that may exist at the time of adoption or amendment to this chapter until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival.
(B) If no structural alterations are made, a nonconforming use of a structure or land may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or more restrictive classification. Whenever a nonconforming use has been changed to a more restrictive classification of use or to a conforming use, the use shall not be changed thereafter to a less restrictive use.
(C) If the nonconforming use of any dwelling, building, structure, or of any land, as provided in divisions (A) and (B) of this section is discontinued for 12 months or more, any future use thereof shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(D) Except as provided in division (E), no existing structure, building, or premises devoted to a use not permitted by this chapter, in the district in which the structure, building, or premises is located, except when required to do so by law or order, shall be enlarged, extended, reconstructed, or structurally altered unless the use thereof is changed to a use permitted in the district in which the structure, building, or premises is located.
(E) When a structure or building, the use of which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, is damaged by fire, explosion, flood, or other act of God to the extent of more than 60% of its reproduction value, it shall not be restored unless the relocation of such use shall have been authorized by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(F) The adoption or amendment of this chapter in no way legalizes any illegal uses existing at the time of its adoption.
(Ord. 99-14, passed 12-20-99; Am. Ord. 16-2003, passed 11-17-03) Penalty, see § 154.19