(a) Except as hereinafter provided in this Chapter, the lawful use of a building or structure or of any lot existing at the time of the effective date of this Zoning Code or any amendment thereof may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of this Zoning Code or such amendment. For the purpose hereof, as to uses where a zoning permit has been issued prior to the adoption or amendment of this Zoning Code and rendering such uses nonconforming, such uses shall be permitted as nonconforming uses provided such permits are not revoked and occupancy or the start of construction pursuant to such permits is undertaken within six (6) months after issuance thereof.
(b) If any nonconforming use is discontinued for a consecutive period of two (2) years or more, its privileged status as a nonconforming use shall cease and no future use of such building, structure or land shall be made except in conformity to the general requirements of this Zoning Code or any amendments hereto. In the event a nonconforming use is changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted use. (Ord. 29-2006. Passed 3-7-06.)