A. Continuation: A nonconforming structure in any zone may be continued for the period prescribed in this chapter, provided no additions or enlargements are made thereto and no structural alterations are made therein, except those required by law. If any such nonconforming structure is removed, every future use of the lot on which the structure was located shall conform to the provisions of this title.
B. Maintenance And Repair: Remodeling of a nonconforming structure within the existing footprint thereof shall be permitted without a variance.
C. Enlargement And Expansion: Any expansion of a nonconforming structure that increases the degree of nonconformance is prohibited, except as provided in this section. Other expansions shall be permitted and shall not require a variance.
1. The initial determination of whether a proposed expansion increases the degree of nonconformity shall be made by the zoning administrator.
2. A structure which is nonconforming as to height, area or yard regulations may be added to or enlarged upon authorization by the board of adjustment; provided, that the board of adjustment, after a hearing, finds the expansion to be compatible with the neighborhood and not detrimental to the community, as determined by the effect of the expansion on traffic, value of adjacent and nearby properties, and the availability of adequate public facilities and services.
D. Relocation: If a nonconforming structure is relocated within the city, it shall be placed only in a location where it fully conforms to the requirements of this title.
E. Restoration: Any nonconforming structure that is damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or less of its fair market value by fire, wind, tornado, earthquake, or other natural disaster, may be restored and the use of such building may be continued. The structure shall not be rebuilt closer to the property line than the original structure or the applicable setback lines, whichever is closer. Any structure that is damaged to the extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its fair market value shall not be rebuilt, repaired or used unless it conforms to all applicable requirements of this title.
F. Unsafe Structures: Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the continuing use of a structure found to be in violation of basic life safety or health codes of the city. The right to continue use of a nonconforming structure shall be subject to all applicable housing, building, health, and other life safety codes of the city. (2001 Code § 89-6-203)