Any vacant lot that does not conform to one or more of the lot size (that is, area dimensions) requirements of the district in which it is located may be used for any use permitted in the district if such vacant lot is at least 30 feet wide, is of record on the effective date of this chapter, and has continuously remained in separate ownership from abutting tracts of land throughout the entire period during which the creation of such lot was prohibited by any applicable zoning or other code.

(Code 1999, § 40-12-1; Ord. No. 2002-13, art. 12, § 1, 8-14-2002)

The lawful use of a building existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter may be continued although such use does not conform with the provisions, and such use may be extended throughout the building, provided no structural alterations except those required by law or ordinance are made herein. If no structural alterations are made, a nonconforming use of a building may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or more restricted classification. The foregoing provisions shall also apply to nonconforming uses in districts hereafter changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use. The use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted use.

(Code 1999, § 40-12-2; Ord. No. 2002-13, art. 12, § 2, 8-14-2002)

No building which has been damaged by fire, explosion, acts of God, or a public enemy to the extent of more than 75 percent of its assessed value shall be restored, except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter.

(Code 1999, § 40-12-3; Ord. No. 2002-13, art. 12, § 3, 8-14-2002)

In the event that a nonconforming use of any building or premises is discontinued or its normal operation is stopped for a period of 12 months, the use of the same shall thereafter conform to the regulations of the district in which it is located.

(Code 1999, § 40-12-4; Ord. No. 2002-13, art. 12, § 4, 8-14-2002)

No nonconforming building or premises, except when required to do so by law or ordinance, shall be enlarged, extended, reconstructed or structurally altered, unless such use is changed to one permitted in the district in which such building or premises is located. No nonconforming building shall be relocated unless, after relocation, it shall conform to all the regulations of the district in which it is located.

(Code 1999, § 40-12-5; Ord. No. 2002-13, art. 12, § 5, 8-14-2002)

If two or more lots or combinations of lots and portions of lots with continuous frontage were of record and in common ownership on the effective date of this chapter, and if one or more of those lots does not meet the minimum lot width, depth, and area requirements of the district in which it is located, the land involved shall be considered an undivided parcel. No portion of any such parcel shall be developed except in compliance with this chapter, nor shall any such parcel be divided so as to create a lot that does not meet the requirements of this chapter.

(Code 1999, § 40-12-6; Ord. No. 2002-13, art. 12, § 6, 8-14-2002)