1137.01  INTENT.
   Within districts established by this Code, buildings, lots and uses of buildings and land which were lawful prior to the passage of this Code, but which would be prohibited by the Code, are considered to be nonconforming buildings, lots or uses.  It is the intent of this Code to permit such nonconformities to continue until they are removed or abandoned, although they are considered to be incompatible with the permitted buildings and uses in the districts established by the Code. It is further the intent that nonconforming buildings, lots and uses shall not be changed only to a more restrictive use, and that the rebuilding of a nonconforming building destroyed in excess of 50 percent of its reproduction value shall be in conformance with all the requirements of the particular district in which it is located. 
(Ord. 474.  Passed 8-27-73.)