(A) It is the intent of this subchapter to permit legal nonconforming lots, structures, or uses to continue until they are removed but not to encourage their survival.
(B) It is recognized that there exists within the districts established by this chapter and subsequent amendments, lots, structures, and uses of land and structures which where lawful before this chapter was passed or amended which would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments.
(C) To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this subchapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction, or designated use of any building on which actual construction was lawfully begin prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter and upon which actual building construction has been diligently carried on.
(D) ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION is hereby defined to include the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastened in a permanent manner, except that where demolition or removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, the demolition or removal shall be deemed to be ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION, provided that work shall be diligently carried on until completion of the building involved.
(Ord. 99, passed 11-18-1996, § 23.01)