A. Within the districts established by these regulations or amendments that may later be adopted there may exist lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and characteristics of use which were lawful before these regulations were passed or amended, but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of these regulations or future amendment. It is the intent of this chapter to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival. It is further the intent of this chapter that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.
B. Nonconforming uses are declared by this chapter to be compatible with permitted uses in the districts involved. A nonconforming use of a structure and land in combination shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of these regulations by attachment on a building or premises of additional signs intended to be seen from off the premises, or by the addition of other uses of a nature which would be prohibited generally in the district involved.
C. 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 these regulations and upon which construction is defined to include the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastened in a permanent manner. Where excavation, demolition or removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such excavation, demolition or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction; provided, that work shall be carried on diligently. (Ord. 172, 9-24-1996, eff. 10-31-1996)