Lots, structures, uses of land and structures and characteristics of use which lawfully existed at the time of the enactment of this chapter and which would be prohibited or restricted under the terms of this chapter may be continued, subject to the following provisions.

It is the intent of this chapter to permit nonconforming uses to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival.

Any recorded lot held in single and separate ownership prior to the adoption of this chapter and whose area and/or width and/or depth are less than the specified minimum lot requirements in this chapter for that district may be considered as complying with such minimum lot requirements, and no variance shall be required, provided that:

A lot of nonconforming size may be subdivided if each and every subdivision of such lot is purchased by the owner of adjoining lots. No lot may be reduced in area so that it creates a nonconforming lot in violation of any provision of this chapter.

No nonconforming use shall be enlarged or increased in any manner nor extended to occupy a greater area of land than was occupied at the effective date of the adoption of this chapter.

Any structure or portion thereof declared unsafe by a proper authority may be restored to a safe condition.

A nonconforming building may not be reconstructed or structurally altered to an extent exceeding an aggregate cost of 50% of the full value of said building unless the building shall be changed to a conforming use.

No nonconforming building damaged by fire or other causes to the extent of more than 75% of its full value shall be repaired or rebuilt except in conformity with the requirements of this chapter.

Whenever a nonconforming use has been discontinued for a period of 365 days or one year, whichever is more suitable, such use shall not thereafter be reestablished, and any future use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Once changed to a conforming use, no use of a structure or land so changed shall be permitted to revert to a nonconforming use.

No nonconforming use shall be extended to displace a conforming use.

To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter and upon which actual construction has been carried on diligently. ("Actual construction" denotes that materials are in a permanent position and are fastened in a permanent manner.)

If no structural alterations are made, a nonconforming use of a structure, or structure and premises, may be changed to another nonconforming use by special permit, provided that the Board, by general rule, or that the proposed use is no less appropriate to the district than the existing nonconforming use. When such change is permitted, the Board may require appropriate conditions and safeguards in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Should any nonconforming structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the district in which it is located after it is moved.