The districts established by this Zoning Ordinance constitute the proper location for the specific enumerated uses, buildings and other structures permitted therein. Within such districts, however, there exist nonconformities that were lawful before the effective date of this ordinance, but that would be prohibited under the terms of this ordinance. Future amendments to this ordinance may be expected to create additional nonconformities.
The legitimate interests of those who lawfully established these noconformities are recognized in this ordinance by permitting such nonconformities to continue, subject to regulations for and limitations upon their completion, restoration, reconstruction, extension and substitution. It is recognized, however, that nonconformities substantially and adversely affect the orderly development, maintenance, use and taxable value of other property in the district which is, itself, subject to the regulations of this ordinance. In order to secure eventual compliance with the standards of this ordinance, it is, therefore, necessary to regulate nonconformities strictly and to prevent the reestablishment of nonconformities that have been discontinued.
Accordingly, the following sections divide nonconformities into four classes and provide appropriate regulations for each class:
(a) Vacant lots smaller than the minimum required by this ordinance.
(b) Residential buildings which comply with the use regulations of this ordinance, but not with lot size or building bulk limitations.
(c) Nonresidential buildings which comply with the use regulations of this ordinance, but not with the lot size or building bulk limitations.
(d) Buildings and uses which do not comply with the use regulations of this ordinance.
(1970 Code Sec. 32-73)