(A) Within the districts established by this chapter or by amendment that may later be adopted, there may exist:
(1) Nonconforming lots;
(2) Nonconforming structures;
(3) Nonconforming use of land;
(4) Nonconforming use of land and structures in combination; and
(5) Nonconforming characteristics of use.
(B) The nonconformities that were lawful before the adoption of this chapter, but which are prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or may be under future amendments thereto are permitted to continue until they are removed. It is the intent of this chapter to permit these nonconformities to continue and to encourage their modification to become into greater conformance with the terms of this chapter whenever possible.
(C) It is the intent of this chapter to allow for the Building Commission to permit rebuilding or provide for the discontinuance of such nonconforming uses, where such nonconforming uses have been destroyed more than 50% of their current assessed value, as defined by the Township Assessor, except as provided by § 154.134. This section does not prevent the refurbishment of a nonconforming single-family dwelling provided that the rebuilding or refurbishment does not expand, extend or increase the degree of nonconformity with the terms of this chapter.
(Ord. 0203, passed 6-10-02; Am. Ord. 2017-04, passed 5-8-17; Am. Ord. 2022-11, passed 8-8-22)