A. Generally: A building or structure which does not conform to the bulk requirements or use restrictions of the district in which it is located and which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty or act of nature may be restored only if the cost of restoration to the condition in which it was prior to the destruction or damage is less than fifty percent (50%) of the cost of constructing the entire building or structure new. No repairs or restoration shall be made unless such work is started within six (6) months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion. Notwithstanding any of the above requirements, nothing in this subsection shall preclude the reconstruction of a building in a manner so that the entire building or structure and use conform to all regulations of the district in which it is located. Regardless of the general requirement that new construction comply with the required yard setbacks, the replacement of existing means of egress, porches, stoops and steps for residential buildings may be constructed to its existing nonconforming footprint if, in the opinion of the building director, the existing footprint is the minimum necessary to provide for an adequate and safe means of egress. (1965 Code title 6 § 501.6; amd. 2009 Code)
B. Single-Family Dwellings: Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, a single-family dwelling or structure accessory to a single-family dwelling located on a zoning lot which existed prior to the effective date hereof or was lawfully established thereafter and which has less than the required minimum lot width or area, destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty or act of nature, may be restored or reconstructed, provided the restored or reconstructed dwelling or accessory structure is not larger than that which was damaged or destroyed and does not exceed the limits established by the footprint of the original structure. If the restored or reconstructed dwelling or accessory structure is to be larger than the damaged or destroyed structure, it shall meet all bulk requirements except lot width and area. (1965 Code title 6 § 501.7; amd. 2009 Code)