In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, comfort, prosperity, or general welfare. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties, provided, however, that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon height of buildings, or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.

By the passage of this chapter, no presently illegal use shall be deemed to have been legalized unless specifically such use falls within a use district where the actual use is a conforming use. Otherwise, such uses shall remain nonconforming uses where recognized, or an illegal use, as the case may be. It is further the intent and declared purpose of this chapter that no offense committed, and no liability, penalty, or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the time the exiting zoning ordinance was repealed and this Zoning ordinance adopted, shall be discharged or affected by such repeal; but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties, or forfeitures may be instituted or causes presently pending proceeded with in all respects as if such prior ordinance had not been repealed.

Any person or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined any sum not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) and each and every day that the provisions of this chapter are violated shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. In addition to the said penalty provided for, the right is hereby conferred and extended upon any property owner owning property in any district, where such property owner may be affected or invaded, by a violation of the terms of the ordinance, to bring suit in such court or courts having jurisdiction thereof and obtain such remedies as may be available at law and equity in the protection of the rights of such property owners.

If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, or provision of this chapter shall be adjudged invalid or held unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any part or provision thereof other than the part so decided to be invalid or unconstitutional.