The intent of this section is to regulate and limit the development and continued existence of uses, structures, and lots established prior to the effective date of this chapter, as amended, which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter. Many nonconformities may continue, but the provisions of this section are designed to curtail substantial investment in nonconformities and to bring about their eventual improvement to a conforming status or elimination, in order to preserve the integrity of this chapter and the desired character of the county. Any lawful nonconforming use, structure, or lot which lawfully existed as of the effective date of this chapter and which remains nonconforming, and any use, structure, or lot which has become nonconforming as a result of the adoption of this chapter or any subsequent reclassification of zoning districts or other amendment to this chapter, may be continued or maintained only in accordance with the terms of this section. The limitations of this section shall not apply to structures or lots whose nonconforming features are the subject of a variance that has been granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals or a modification or condition that was approved by the Board of Supervisors. Such nonconformities are not intended to and may not be used as a grounds for changing their property's zoning category or as grounds for changing other nearby zoning categories.
(Ord. passed 4-12-2016)