The lawful use of a premises existing at the time of the adoption of this ordinance although such use does not conform to the provisions hereof, may be continued, but if such nonconforming use is discontinued, any further use of said premises shall be in conformity with the provisions [of] this ordinance.

The lawful use of a building existing at the time of the adoption of this ordinance may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions hereof, and such use may be extended throughout the building; provided, however, [that] no structural alterations, except those required by law or ordinance are made therein. If no structural alterations are made, a nonconforming use of a building may be changed to a use of the same or higher classification according to the provisions of this ordinance, and further, provided that whenever a use district shall be hereafter changed, any then existing nonconforming use in such changed district may be continued or changed to a use of a similar or higher classification; provided, however, [that] all other regulations governing the new use are complied with. Whenever a nonconforming use of a building has been changed to a higher classification or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a use of a lower classification.

No building shall be erected upon any premises devoted to a nonconforming use, and no building located upon any such premises, which has been damaged by fire, or other causes to the extent of more than 50 percent of its value, shall be repaired or rebuilt except in conformity with the regulations of this ordinance.

When the boundary line of any use district divides a lot in a single ownership at the time of the adoption of this ordinance, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the extension of the use existing on either portion of such parcel of ground to the entire parcel, but for a distance of not more than ten feet.

The board of trustees of the Village of Burnham may, after giving public notice in the same manner as required for the adoption of this ordinance, authorize in any location, a structure or premises to be used by a public service corporation or for public utility or municipal purposes which it deems reasonably necessary for the public convenience and welfare. Any right-of-way, station, ground or other premises located in any district and now used for railroad or railway purposes shall be considered a nonconforming use until such time as the said premises shall cease to be used for railroad or railway purposes, when the said premises shall conform with the provisions of this ordinance.

State Law reference— Nonconforming uses, 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1.