(.1) Expansion of nonconforming regulated uses that are listed in § 14-603(13) (Regulated Uses) is prohibited.
(.2) For uses other than those specified in § 14-305(5)(a)(.1) above: A nonconforming use that is located in a conforming building may be expanded within that building, or within any expansion of that building that complies with § 14-701 (Dimensional Standards), provided that the cumulative expansion since the use became nonconforming shall not increase the floor area occupied by the nonconforming use by more than ten percent (10%). 277
(b) Replacement.
(.1) Abandoned Uses.
(.a) A nonconforming use that has been discontinued (as determined by § 14-305(5)(b)(.3) (Determination of Discontinued Nonconforming Use)) for more than three consecutive years shall be considered abandoned and may not be resumed or replaced by another nonconforming use. Any subsequent use of the land or structure must comply with the use requirements of the district in which the land is located.
(.b) A successful zoning application for a permitted use or use approved by special exception in the district where the land is located shall not constitute abandonment of the nonconforming use until the permitted use or use approved by special exception is initiated on the property. 278
(.2) Uses Discontinued for Three Years or Less.
(.a) Replacement and discontinuance of nonconforming regulated uses that are listed in § 14-603(13) (Regulated Uses) is governed by § 14-603(13)(b)(.2) (Discontinuance of Operations).
(.b) For uses other than those specified in § 14-305(5)(b)(.2)(.a) above: A nonconforming use that is currently in operation or has been discontinued (as determined by § 14-305(5)(b)(.3) (Determination of Discontinued Nonconforming Use)) for three consecutive years or less may be replaced with another use not allowed by the base zoning and any applicable overlay zoning if the existing or discontinued use and the proposed replacement use are in the same use subcategory as shown in § 14-601 (Use Categories), provided, however, that:
(i) the existing or discontinued use shall not be replaced by a regulated use as set forth in § 14-603(13) (Regulated Uses);
(ii) if the existing or discontinued use is listed as a specific use type in § 14-601 (Use Categories), then it may only be replaced by the same specific use type; and
(iii) if the existing or discontinued use is not listed as a specific use type, then it may not be replaced by any specific use type listed in the same use subcategory.
(.3) Determination of Discontinued Nonconforming Use.
(.a) A "discontinued use" is a nonconforming use that is no longer being actively operated on the property or for which there is evidence that the owner or lessee no longer intends to use the property for that purpose. Evidence of a discontinued nonconforming use may include, but shall not be limited to: (1) removal of improvements necessary to that use, (2) modifications to the property that make it unsuitable for that use, (3) lapsing of permits or licenses necessary to operate that use, or (4) failure to pay property taxes or taxes related to the nonconforming use. L&I shall record such discontinuation of use in the file of the subject property. 279
(.b) Upon receipt of an application for a zoning permit relating to a property on which a nonconforming use is situated, L&I shall notify the applicant that a determination of discontinued use is under review and request any evidence that the use has not been discontinued. Evidence that a use has not been discontinued may include but is not limited to (1) improvements made to the property to accommodate that use during a time when the use was not actively operating, (2) efforts to market the property or improvements for that use during the time when the use was not actively operating, or (3) the maintenance of any licenses or permits necessary for the use or business during the time it was not actively operating. L&I's determination shall take into consideration any response received from the applicant, but that response shall not be determinative if other evidence suggests that the use has been discontinued.
Notes
| 276 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). |
| 277 | Amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). |
| 278 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). |
| 279 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). |