Legal oil, gas and mineral uses of property existing at the time the N Zone is applied to said property may continue to operate and shall not be subject to the abatement provisions of this chapter relating to nonconforming uses. At the time the N Zone is applied the Planning Commission shall determine the boundaries of the operating areas for existing oil, gas and mineral uses on the subject property in such a manner as to accommodate the facilities necessary for existing operations and reasonably necessary for anticipated future operations. Normal repairs, replacements, maintenance and site improvements shall be permitted subject to development plan approval, as long as there is no expansion of the operating area.
EXPANSION, as used in this section, is intended to mean expansion of the land area utilized by such facilities. Easements and rights-of-way for pipelines and access purposes shall not be considered an "expansion" as provided herein.
('64 Code, § 49.58) (Ord. 715, passed 7-9-87)