A use of land, or building, or land and building in combination lawfully existing on the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance, or when any amendment to this Zoning Ordinance becomes effective, may be continued and necessary maintenance and repairs made although such use does not conform with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance provided the following conditions are met:
(a) Alterations. A building or structure containing a nonconforming use may be altered, improved, or reconstructed, provided the work does not exceed in aggregate cost the assessed value of the building or structure. Otherwise the building or structure shall be changed to a conforming use.
(b) Change in Use. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use provided that the proposed nonconforming use is less in conflict with the character and intent of the zoning district than the existing nonconforming use as determined by the Planning Commission. Whenever a nonconforming use has been changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted use.
(c) Displacement. No nonconforming use shall be extended to displace a conforming use.
(d) Certificate of Nonconforming Use. The Planning Commission shall issue a “Certificate of Nonconforming Use” within one year of the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance, to all known owners of property, the use of which does not conform to the provisions of the zoning district in which the property is located.
(1) The provisions shall apply only to commercial and industrial use for which no fee shall be charged.
(2) In accordance with the provision of this subsection, no use of land, buildings, or structures shall be made other than that specified on the “Certificate of Nonconforming Use” unless such use shall be in conformity with the provisions of the district in which the property is located.
(3) A copy of each “Certificate of Nonconforming Use” shall be filed in the office of the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 3-95. Passed 1-17-95.)