1276.05   NONCONFORMING LAND USES.
   Where, at the time of the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Code, lawful use of land exists or was occupied which would not be permitted by the regulations imposed by this Zoning Code, the use may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, provided:
   (a)   No such nonconforming use shall be modified, enlarged, or increased nor extended to occupy a greater area nor otherwise changed except to make the use less nonconforming or by change to a permitted use.
   (b)   No such nonconforming use shall be moved in whole or in part to any portion of the lot or parcel other than that previously occupied.
   (c)   When a nonconforming use is discontinued for any reason for a period of more than 180 days, the use may not thereafter be resumed or used except in conformity with the regulations of the district in which it is located and any subsequent use of such land shall conform with the regulations specified by this Zoning Code.
   (d)   The nonconforming use may be extended through any parts of a building arranged or designed for such use at the time of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Code, but no such use shall be extended to occupy any land outside such building.
   (e)   No additional structure shall be erected in connection with such nonconforming use of land.
   (f)   No nonconforming use may be continued if it has been destroyed by natural or artificial means to an extent determined to be more than one-half its value based on the SEV as recorded in the most recent official tax roll. Nor can it be changed to another nonconforming use. All new or rebuilt structures shall be erected in conformance with the ordinance appropriate to the district in which it is located.
   (g)   The nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use provided the Zoning Board of Appeals shall find that the proposed use is equally appropriate or more appropriate to the district than the existing nonconforming use. In permitting such change, the Zoning Board of Appeals may require appropriate conditions and safeguards.
   (h)   Any nonconforming use which is superseded by a permitted use shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the district in which it is located, and the nonconforming use may not thereafter be resumed.
      (Ord. 52. Passed 6-16-97.)