1177.03 NONCONFORMING USES OF LAND, BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES.

   The lawful use of any land, building or structure existing at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Ordinance may be continued although such use does not conform with the regulations of this Ordinance, providing the following provisions are met:

   (a)   A nonconforming use shall not be extended, enlarged or increased to occupy a greater area of land than was occupied at the effective date of this Ordinance. The extension of a lawful use to any portion of a nonconforming structure which existed prior to the enactment of this Ordinance, shall not be deemed to be the extension of such nonconforming use.

   (b)   Whenever a nonconforming use has been discontinued for a period of two years or longer, such discontinuance shall be considered as conclusive evidence of an intention to abandon the nonconforming use. At the end of such two-year period, any subsequent use of land shall conform to the provisions of this Ordinance for the district in which such land is located.

   (c)   Nonconforming uses established after the effective date of this Ordinance shall be declared as illegal nonconforming uses and shall be discontinued within twenty days following the date of inspection by the Zoning Administrator or any of his deputies.

      (Ord. 86-260. Passed 12-16-86.)

   (d)   Any nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or a more restrictive classification than the existing use upon approval by the Planning Commission. The Commission may attach any conditions to the new use which it deems necessary to safeguard the public health, safety or welfare.

      (Ord. 06-019. Passed 1-17-06.)

   (e)   Where a nonconforming use of a building or structure exists, the voluntary removal or voluntary destruction of the building or structure shall eliminate the nonconforming status of the land.

      (Ord. 86-260. Passed 12-16-86.)