If a lawful use of a structure, or of a structure and land in combination, exists on the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Code, which use would not be permitted in the district under the terms of this Zoning Code, the lawful use may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:
(a) No existing structure devoted to a use not permitted by this Zoning Code in the district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended, constructed, reconstructed, moved or structurally altered except in changing the use of the structure to a use permitted in the district in which it is located.
(b) Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout parts of a building which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use, and which existed 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.
(c) If no structural alterations are made, any nonconforming use of a structure, or a structure and land in combination, may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or of a more restricted classification, provided that the Board of Zoning Appeals, either by general rule or by making findings in the specific case, finds that the proposed use is equally appropriate or more appropriate to the district than the existing nonconforming use. In permitting such change, the Board may require conditions and safeguards in accordance with the purpose and intent of this Zoning Code. Where a nonconforming use of a structure, land, or structure and land in combination, is hereafter changed to a more conforming use, it shall not thereafter be changed to a less conforming use.
(d) Any structure, or structure and land in combination, in or on which a nonconforming use is superseded by a permitted use, shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the district in which such structure is located, and the nonconforming use may not thereafter be resumed.
(e) When a nonconforming use of a structure, or structure and land in combination, is discontinued or ceases to exist for twelve consecutive months or for twenty-four months during any three-year period, the structure, or structure and land in combination, shall not thereafter be used except in conformity with the regulations of the district in which it is located. Structures occupied by seasonal uses shall be excepted from this provision.
(f) Where nonconforming use status applies to a structure and land in combination, the removal or destruction of the structure shall eliminate the nonconforming status of the land.
(Ord. 458. Passed 1-4-89.)