A use of a building existing lawfully at the time this Zoning Ordinance became effective, but which does not conform to the use regulations, including the sign regulations, parking or loading regulations of the district in which it is located, is a nonconforming use of a building and may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Change of Use. The nonconforming use of a building 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 from most to least restrictive, as set forth in Section 1305.10.
(b) Expansion of Use. A nonconforming use of part of a building may only be expanded or extended throughout those parts of a building which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use at the time of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Ordinance, but no such use shall be extended so as to occupy any land outside such building.
(c) Discontinuance of Use. If a nonconforming use within a building or portion thereof is discontinued for a continuous period of two years, any future use of such building, or portion thereof, so discontinued, shall be in conformity with the use regulations of the district in which the building is located.
(d) Nonconforming Signs. A sign, existing lawfully at the time this Zoning Ordinance became effective, but which does not conform with the sign regulations of the district in which it is located, may be maintained and structural or electrical parts may be repaired or restored to a safe condition only if required by law. Otherwise, a nonconforming sign shall not be altered or moved unless it is made to conform with this Zoning Ordinance. If any sign or part thereof is damaged or destroyed to more than fifty percent of its reproduction value, or taken down, it shall not be rebuilt or relocated unless it shall be made to comply with the regulations of the district in which it is located.
(e) Nonconforming Parking Facilities. A building, or use, existing lawfully at the time this Zoning Ordinance or an amendment thereto became effective, but which does not conform with the off-street parking or off-street loading regulations, may be occupied by the existing use without such parking and/or loading facilities being provided. Any parking spaces that may be provided shall be in accord with the regulations and standards set forth in Chapter 1321. However, if the existing building 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 seating capacity or floor area, or if the use is changed to a use requiring more off- street parking and loading facilities shall be provided at least equal to the number of spaces required for the entire building or use in accord with the schedule as set forth in Sections 1321.31 and 1321.70.
(f) Nonconforming as to Performance Standards. A building or use existing lawfully at the time this Zoning Ordinance became effective, but which is nonconforming as to one or more of the performance standards, shall not be required to conform therewith except at such times that the building or use is changed or expanded. (Ord. 1961-103. Passed 12-29-61.)