If a lawful use of a structure or of a structure and lot in combination exists at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter that would not be allowed in the zoning district under the terms of this chapter, the lawful use may be continued, subject to the following provisions.
(A) No existing structure devoted to a use not permitted by this chapter in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended, constructed, reconstructed, moved or otherwise have any structural alterations made to it except in changing the use of the structure to an authorized use in the zoning district in which it is located, unless the Board shall interpret that the enlargement, extension, construction, reconstruction or structural alteration is necessitated by the natural expansion and growth of trade of the nonconforming use.
(B) Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout any part of a structure which was manifestly arranged or designed for such use at the time of adoption or amendment of this chapter, but no such use shall be extended to occupy any lot or portion of a lot outside such structure, except on a lot or portion of a lot owned at the time the use became nonconforming.
(C) Any structure or structure and lot in combination in or on which a nonconforming use is superseded by an authorized use shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which such structure is located, and the nonconforming use may not thereafter be resumed.
(D) When a nonconforming use of a structure or structure and lot in combination ceases for a period of more than 12 consecutive months, it shall be presumed that the nonconforming use has been abandoned, and any subsequent use of such structure or structure and lot in combination shall conform to the regulations specified by this chapter for the zoning district in which such lot is located.
(E) Where nonconforming status applies to both the use and the structure on the lot, removal or destruction of the nonconforming structure shall eliminate the nonconforming use on the lot.
(F) Nonconforming signs may be repaired or reconstructed, provided that no structural alterations are made which increase the sign area computed in accordance with § 155.102.
(G) Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged, added to or replaced by another nonconforming sign, use or structure, except that interchange of poster panels shall be permitted.
(Ord. 1089, passed 5-19-2014)