12.01 NONCONFORMING USES.

   A use existing lawfully on the effective date of this Code which does not conform to this Code is a nonconforming use and may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:

   (a)   Change of Use: A nonconforming use may only be changed to a conforming use, or to a use permitted in a more restricted district if approved by the Commission. Thereafter it shall not be changed back to the former nonconforming use. For this purpose, the districts shall be considered as listed in order of restrictiveness, from most to least restrictive, as follows:

      (1)   R-1-D

      (2)   R-1-C

      (3)   R-1-B

      (4)   R-1-A

      (5)   RN-1

      (6)   B-2

      (7)   B-1

      (8)   I-1

   (b)   Expansion of Use: A nonconforming use or part of a structure or lot may only be expanded or extended throughout those parts which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use on the effective date of this Code, and no such use shall be extended so as to occupy any additional land.

   (c)   Discontinuance of Use: If a nonconforming use is discontinued for a continuous period of one year, any future use shall be in conformity with the use regulations of the district in which such use is located.

   (d)   Nonconforming Signs: See Section 9.00 (d). (Ord. 2001-19.)

   (e)   Nonconforming Parking Facilities: A nonconforming use which does not conform to the off-street parking or loading regulations of this Code may be occupied by the existing use without such parking and loading facilities being provided. If an existing structure is altered so that there is an increase in the number of dwelling units, seating capacity or floor area, or if the use is changed to a use requiring more off-street spaces, no zoning or occupancy permit shall be issued for such alteration until off-street parking and loading facilities have been provided which are at least equal to the number of spaces required by this Code for the entire structure or use.

   (f)   Performance Standards: A use which is nonconforming with respect to one or more of the performance standards specified in this Code shall not be required to conform therewith except at such time that the structure or use is changed or expanded.