Nonconforming Use. A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendments hereafter enacted where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendments.

Nonconforming Structure. A structure which does not comply with the applicable dimensional regulations, including those density; impervious surfaces, building coverage, building height, and setbacks in this chapter or amendments hereafter enacted where such structure was lawfully in existence prior to enactment of this chapter. Such structures include, but are not limited to, buildings fences and swimming pools.

Nonconforming Lot. A lot or site which does not comply with the applicable dimensional regulations, including those related to site area, lot area, and lot width, in this chapter or amendments hereafter enacted where such lot was lawfully in existence prior to enactment of this chapter or amendments.

Nonconforming Sign. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size to the regulations of Part 16.

Change of Use. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use or more restrictive classification by a grant of special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board. Such special exception, however, shall be granted only when the Zoning Hearing Board determines that the new use will be no more detrimental to the objectives and purposes of this chapter, or to the character, neighborhood and surrounding areas of the Township than the existing use in determining what is detrimental, the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider, among other things, additional traffic which might be generate fire hazards, potential environmental degradation, the hours and manner of operation, the hardship(s) facing the owner, and such nuisance characteristics as noise, glare, dust, smoke, or odor.

Expansion. The nonconforming use of a building, structure, or lot shall not be extended, expanded, or structurally altered, unless it is to insure the structural safety of the building as mandated by law, or unless the Zoning Hearing Board grants a special exception authorizing the limited expansion of such building, structure, or lot. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant such special exception, provided that:

Discontinuance or Abandonment. Whenever a nonconforming use of land, premises, building, or structure, or any part or portion thereof, has been discontinued for a period of one year, such nonconforming use shall not be reestablished and all future uses shall be in conformity with this chapter.

Reconstruction. A structure containing a nonconforming use involuntarily destroyed by fire, explosion, flood, or other phenomena, or legally condemned, may be reconstructed and used for the same nonconforming use, provided that:

Alteration or Enlargement. A nonconforming building or structure which is used, or proposed to be used, for a conforming purpose may be continued, altered, or enlarged by special exception, provided that the alteration or enlargement does not increase the nonconformity of the building or structure with respect to the existing or subsequent setback, coverage, and density requirements in effect at the time such alteration or enlargement is proposed to be made.

Restoration. A nonconforming building or structure which has been destroyed by fire or some other calamity may be reconstructed at its former location and used for its previous use, provided that its former dimensions remain the same and that reconstruction shall be commenced within one year from the date of damage or destruction, and shall be completed within two years of the date of damage or destruction.

Voluntary Demolition and Abandonment. Where a nonconforming building or structure housing a conforming use is voluntarily demolished or destroyed, except for reconstruction and/or modernization, the use, as well as the nonconforming structure, shall be deemed to have been abandoned and discontinued, and any use thereafter shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.