The lawful use of land or buildings existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may continue, although the use does not conform to the regulations specified by this chapter for the district in which the land or building is located, subject to the following conditions and specifications:
(A) A non-conforming use of land outside of a building shall be made to conform to the provisions of this code within two years after adoption of this code.
(B) Any non-conforming use of land or building which has ceased by discontinuance or abandonment for a period of one year thereafter shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Any nonconforming building which has been destroyed or damaged by fire, explosion, act of God or by a public enemy to the extent of 60% or more of its assessed valuation, thereafter shall conform to the provisions of this chapter. Where more than 40% of the assessed value of the building remains after the damage, the structure may be restored to the same non-conforming use as existed before the damage.
(D) No non-conforming use of a building may be moved to any other part or parcel of land upon which it was conducted at the time of the adoption of this chapter.
(E) No non-conforming building shall be enlarged or structurally altered except to make it a conforming building. A non-conforming use of a building existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may be extended throughout the building, provided no structural alterations, except those required by ordinance or law, are made therein and provided approval is granted by the City Council.
(F) The use of a nonconforming building may be changed only to a use of like or similar character or to a use conforming to the district in which the property is located.
(G) The foregoing provisions also shall apply to non-conforming uses in districts hereafter changed by amendment to this chapter.
(H) Notwithstanding the foregoing conditions and specifications, the City Council may approve the continuance of the non-conforming use if it determines that it is of similar character or use conforming to the district in which the property is located.
(‘74 Code, Appendix A, § 16) (Am. Ord. 1693, passed 2-15-22) Penalty, see § 156.999