1121.02 PURPOSE.

   It is the general policy of the City of Painesville to permit nonconformities to continue to exist and to be put to productive use. However, it is also the general policy of the City to bring as many aspects of such nonconformities into conformance with this Code as is reasonably practicable, all subject to the limitations of this chapter. Therefore the purpose of these regulations is to:

   (a)   Discourage the long-term continuance of nonconformities that have resulted, or can be expected to result, in conflicts with surrounding conforming land uses;

   (b)   Recognize that the investments made in developed property can be substantial and that provisions for continuation of certain nonconforming uses may be desirable;

   (c)   Allow buildings that have a long useful life to continue their occupancy for nonconforming uses which is more desirable than requiring them to be vacant if they cannot be converted to conforming uses;

   (d)   Provide for the improvement of nonconforming structures and properties to reduce the blighting influence that can occur if abandoned structures cannot be reused for their designed purposes; and,

   (e)   Prohibit continuance, improvement, expansion or replacement of nonconforming structures that are in violation of Chapter 1349, Property Maintenance Code of Painesville or considered a vacant building as defined by Chapter 1375, Vacant Property and Building Registration.

(Ord. 16-19. Passed 9-16-19.)