(A) Definition. A nonconforming use is a use of land, buildings, or structures within the county that does not conform (does not meet the regulations of this zoning code in some way). A nonconforming use, buildings, or structures may often have detrimental effect on the land use around it, such as increased traffic on residential streets, not enough parking space, the emission of noxious fumes, the creation of loud noises or a depressing effect on property values. These regulations are intended to minimize or eliminate the existing or potential problems created by nonconforming uses, buildings, or structures.
(B) Continuous of nonconforming use and structures. Any nonconforming building, structure, mobile home, or use existing at the time of the enactment of this zoning code may be temporarily continued even though the building, structure or use does not conform to the provisions of this zoning code for the district in which it is located and whenever a district shall be changed hereafter, the then existing lawful use may be continued, subject to the provisions of this zoning code.
(1) Any legal nonconforming building, or structure, or land use may be temporarily continued in use provided there is no structural change other than normal permitted herein.
(2) Any nonconforming building, structure, mobile home, trailer or land use shall be discontinued within five years from the adoption date of this zoning code. This time period may be extended by five years if the owner can show that the nonconforming use is in sound condition and is not causing a detrimental effect on surrounding properties.
(C) Change or extension of nonconforming use. A nonconforming use or structure shall not be extended but the extension of a conforming use to any portion of a nonconforming building shall not be deemed the extension of the nonconforming use.
(1) A nonconforming use shall not be changed to use of the same or greater nonconformity with the district regulations of the district in which is located and then changed to a use of a greater conformity shall not thereafter be changed to a use of lesser conformity; however, in the M Manufacturing Districts a nonconforming use shall not be changed to any nonconforming residential use.
(2) A nonconforming use shall not be altered, extended or restored so as to displace any conforming use.
(Ord. 2014-18, passed 4-16-2014; Am. Ord. 2016- 02, passed 2-16-2016; Am. Ord. 2020-02, passed 1-16-2020)