(A) Within the districts established by this chapter, lots, structures and uses of land and structures may exist which were lawful at the time this chapter was adopted or amended, but which would be prohibited or regulated under the terms of this chapter or future amendment. The intent of this subchapter is to permit these non-conformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival. This subchapter further intends that non-conformities shall not be enlarged, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.
(B) Non-conforming uses are declared by this chapter to be incompatible with permitted uses in the same district. However, to avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter and which actual building construction has been carried on diligently. ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION is hereby defined to include the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastened in a permanent manner. Where excavation or demolition or removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such excavation or demolition or removal shall be deemed actual construction; provided that, work shall be carried on diligently.
(Prior Code, § 17.48.010) (Ord. 390, passed - -1993)