Continuation. Any lawful nonconforming use of a structure or of land legally existing on the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendment may be continued, except as otherwise herein provided.

Expansion of use. Any lawful nonconforming use of a structure or of land may be expanded upon the lot on which it exists at the time of the effective date of this chapter. Such expansion shall conform to the area and bulk requirements and design standards of this chapter. The expansion of a nonconforming use on a lot shall be limited to the lot which was in existence on the effective date of this chapter. The volume, area, or extent of the subject nonconforming use shall not be increased by more than 25% of that which was in existence on the lot or within a structure on the date that the use became nonconforming.

Change of use.

Abandonment. Whenever a lawful nonconforming use of land ceases and is abandoned for a continuous period of at least four calendar months, or a lawful nonconforming use of a structure ceases and is abandoned for a continuous period of at least one year, subsequent use of such structure or land shall be in full conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

Continuation. Any lawful nonconforming structure legally existing on the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendments, may continue to exist and be used.

Restoration. Any lawful nonconforming structure which has been involuntarily damaged by fire, explosion, flood, windstorm, or similar cause to an extent of not more than 75% of its fair market value, or which has been legally condemned, may be restored within the limits of the existing foundation, and within its original dimensions. Restoration shall commence within one year from the date of damage, destruction, or condemnation, and shall be carried on consistently, without major interruption, on a time schedule agreed to by the Zoning Officer at the time of building permit issuance. Where the extent of damage or destruction exceeds 75% of the fair market value, any restoration, reconstruction, or new construction shall comply fully with the terms of this chapter.

Extension. Any lawful nonconforming structure existing at the effective date of this chapter may be extended, provided such extension conforms to the applicable area and bulk requirements of the zoning district. The additional building area represented by the proposed extension shall not exceed 50% of the floor area of the nonconforming building at the time of the effective date of this chapter.

A vacant lot held, on the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendments, in single and separate ownership, which does not meet the minimum area or dimensional requirements of the applicable zoning district, may be used and a structure may be built thereon, provided the required minimum yard areas can be complied with. Where a lot cannot meet all minimum yard requirements, or where alterations or enlargements would result in further noncompliance with applicable district requirements, a special exception shall be required from the Zoning Hearing Board. No application for such a special exception shall be granted if the area of the lot in question is less than 50% of the required minimum lot area or width for the district in which it is located.

In the event an owner of a nonconforming lot also owns adjacent property which, in combination, would be sufficient to enable him to comply with the provisions of this chapter, such properties or portions thereof shall be combined prior to the erection or alteration of a building or structure.

Except as stipulated in Subsection B below any sign existing at the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendment, that does not conform to the provisions of Article XV shall be considered a nonconforming sign and shall comply with the requirements of § 399-120C.

Signs which, at the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendment, are maintained in connection with and upon the same lot as a lawful nonconforming use may be maintained, repaired, or replaced with signs similar in size and character as long as such lawful nonconforming use continues, but may not be enlarged or otherwise substantially altered (nor may any illumination be increased or newly installed) except in accordance with the applicable regulations in Article XVII.