(a) Intent. Within the districts established by this Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 51-71, passed December 13, 1971) or amendments that may later be adopted, there exist:
(1) Lots;
(2) Structures;
(3) Uses of land and structures;
(4) Characteristics of use; and
(5) Signs
which were lawful before this Zoning Ordinance was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this Ordinance or future amendment. It is the intent of this section to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival. It is further the intent of this section that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district except as otherwise provided in Section 1129.05(e) of this Zoning Ordinance.
(b) Incompatibility; Signs. Nonconforming uses are declared to be incompatible with permitted uses in the districts involved. A nonconforming use of a structure, a nonconforming use of land or a nonconforming use of structure and land in combination shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of this section by attachment on a building or premises of additional signs intended to be seen from off the premises or by the addition of other uses, of a nature which would be prohibited generally in the district involved.
(c) Prior Building Permits. To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this section shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building for which a building permit has been issued prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Zoning Ordinance.
(Ord. 51-71. Passed 12-13-71.)