Except with regards to the keeping of animals, which shall be regulated by Section 9-4.2701 of this article, a variance or permit is hereby granted automatically so as to permit the continuation of the particular existing uses of any building, structure, improvement or premises existing in the respective zones immediately prior to January 14, 1965, or whenever any amendment to this code thereafter becomes effective if such existing use was not then in violation of the law and the zoning amendment does not provide for a specific abatement period. Whenever the zone classification is changed, any property being used pursuant to a variance or permit may be used thereafter in the manner authorized by such variance or permit as a nonconforming use for the duration of the variance or permit.
(§ 8162.8, T.O.O.C., renumbered by § XIV, Ord. 173-NS, eff. November 5, 1970, as amended by § 9, Ord. 989-NS, eff. February 23, 1988, renumbered by § 11, Ord. 1230-NS, eff. April 18, 1995)