The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide for the regulation and eventual elimination of uses and structures not in compliance with the requirements of the zone in which they are located. It is hereby declared that the nonconforming use of land and structures is detrimental to the orderly development of the city and is detrimental to the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare of persons and property within the city. It is further declared and it is the policy of the city that such nonconforming uses shall be eliminated as rapidly as may be done without infringing upon the constitutional rights of the property owners of such nonconforming uses. The continuation of nonconforming uses as provided in this chapter is intended to prevent economic hardship and to allow the useful economic value of structures to be consumed or realized within the specified time periods. Nonconforming uses are declared to be illegal and prohibited after the termination dates set forth in this chapter.
('64 Code, § 51.00)