The lawful use of any building or land existing at the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance, provided the following conditions are met:
(a) Alterations. The exterior structure of a nonconforming building or structure shall not be substantially altered, improved, or reconstructed, enlarged, or extended, unless the building or structure is changed to a conforming use.
(Ord. 841-1-23. Passed 1-25-23.)
(b) Changes. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use provided that the proposed nonconforming use is in less conflict with the character and use of the district than the existing nonconforming use as determined by the Planning Commission.
(c) Prior Construction Approval. Nothing in this Zoning Ordinance shall prohibit the completion of construction and the use of a nonconforming building for which a zoning permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance, provided that construction is commenced within ninety (90) days after the issuance of such permit; that construction is carried on diligently and without interruption for a continuous period in excess of thirty (30) days; and that the entire building shall have been completed within two (2) years after the issuance of such zoning permit.
(d) Displacement. No nonconforming use shall be extended to displace a conforming use.
(e) Discontinuance or Abandonment. Whenever a nonconforming use has been discontinued for a period of two (2) years or more, such discontinuance shall be considered conclusive evidence of an intention to abandon legally the nonconforming use. At the end of that two (2) year period of abandonment, the nonconforming use shall not be reestablished, and any further use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance.
(f) Unsafe Structure. Nothing in this Zoning Ordinance shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any portion of a building or structure declared unsafe by a proper authority, provided such strengthening or restoring is not in conflict with subsection (a) hereof.
(Ord. 270-09-02. Passed 9-10-02.)