In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare.

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to authorize the use of any lot or parcel of land in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other applicable statute, law, or regulation.

The provisions of other applicable State, County, and City statutes, laws, and regulations shall be observed, and compliance shall be rendered with the more stringent regulations.

All exceptions granted pursuant to the former zoning laws of the City shall be deemed to exist as variances pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 of this chapter and shall be subject to all the conditions and provisions of this chapter governing such variances.

All permits lawfully existing pursuant to the former zoning laws of the City shall continue in effect until revoked or terminated, shall be continued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, and shall be subject to all the conditions governing such permits.

Any use established or conducted and any building or improvement lawfully existing as a nonconforming use pursuant to the former zoning laws of the City may be continued under the provisions of this chapter as a matter of right and the determination of the termination date established by this chapter shall be computed from the original date such use, building, or improvement became nonconforming.

A use which is not in violation of any provision of this chapter and is a nonconforming use only because it does not meet the requirements of the standards of development set forth in this chapter may be changed or expanded as provided in Article 21 of this chapter relating to nonconforming uses, subject, however, to all the other provisions of this chapter and any other law or regulation.

The following actions taken pursuant to the former zoning laws of the City shall be deemed to have been taken pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and shall be processed, insofar as possible, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:

Zone change, conditional use permit, variance and other land use decisions shall be consistent with the portions of the County of Los Angeles Hazardous Waste Management Plan (Approved November 30, 1989) relating to siting and siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of the City to attach appropriate conditions to the issuance of any such approval in order to protect the public health, safety or welfare nor to establish more stringent planning requirements or siting criteria than those specified in the County plan.