Within the districts established by this Zoning Ordinance or amendments that may later be adopted there exist lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and characteristics of use which were lawful before this Zoning Ordinance was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of this Zoning Ordinance or future amendments. It is the intent of this Zoning Ordinance to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage additional non-conformities.