Except as otherwise provided in this article, a nonconforming use of land or structures existing at the time of enactment of this ordinance may be continued and maintained by its present owner.

12.1

Alteration or enlargement of structures. A nonconforming use or structure may not be enlarged beyond its size that existed at the date of the adoption of this ordinance. An appeal from this section may be submitted to the Cusseta-Chattahoochee County Planning Commission.

12.2

Cessation of use of land or structure. A nonconforming use of land or structures that has been discontinued for a period of 180 days may not be resumed except in conformity with the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located, unless litigation is pending or an extension has been approved by the commission of the Unified Government of Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, Georgia.

12.3

Repairs to nonconforming uses. Repairs and maintenance to nonconforming uses, whether the result of normal wear and tear or damage, as are required to keep them in sound condition may be made to a nonconforming structure provided no structural alterations shall be made except in conformity with this ordinance or as are required by other laws or ordinances.

Clarification

If a building is damaged, only the part that is reconstructed will be required to adhere to the Standard Building Code.

12.4

Substandard lots. Any lot in a zoning district permitting construction of single-family dwellings which was on record in the office of the clerk of the Superior Court of Chattahoochee County at the time of the adoption of this ordinance, and which does not meet the minimum requirements of this ordinance for lot area and/or lot width, may be utilized for single-family residential purposes. The purpose of this provision is to permit utilization of recorded lots which lack adequate width and/or lot area, so long as reasonable living standards can be provided.

(U.G. Ord. No. 2008-2, § 1, 7-1-2008)