(A) If, within the zoning districts established by this chapter or due to amendments that may later be adopted, there exist lots, structures or uses of lots which were lawful before this chapter was passed or amended but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments, it is the intent of this chapter to permit those nonconformities. Such uses are declared by this chapter to be incompatible with authorized uses in the zoning districts involved. 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 signs, structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same zoning district.
(B) To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any structure on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter and upon which actual construction has been diligently commenced. 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 structure has substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such demolition or removal shall be deemed to be actual construction, provided that work shall be diligently carried on until completion of the structure involved.
(Ord. 1089, passed 5-19-2014)