A "non-conforming use" is a land or building(s) within the City of Florissant that does not conform to this Chapter. A non-conforming use may often have a detrimental affect on the land use around it, such as increased traffic on residential streets, not enough parking spaces, the emission of noxious fumes, the creation of loud noises or a depressing effect on property values. These regulations are intended to minimize the existing and/or potential problems created by non-conforming uses.

The lawful use of any building, structure or land existing as of February 13, 2006, may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of this Chapter, under the conditions contained within this Article.

Non-conforming uses of a less permanent nature are not to be expanded and they shall be abolished or reduced to conformity as quickly as the fair interest to the parties will permit.

Nothing in this Chapter shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any portion of a building or structure declared unsafe by a proper authority within the limitations contained within the following Section.

A non-conforming building or structure may be altered, improved or reconstructed, provided such work is not to an extent exceeding in aggregate cost twenty-five percent (25%) of the reasonable value of the building or structure, unless the building or structure is changed to a conforming use. The regraveling of an existing gravel driveway and parking space serving a single-family residential property shall not be deemed an alteration hereunder.

A non-conforming use shall not be extended, but the extension of a lawful use to any portion of a non-conforming building or structure which existed prior to February 13, 2006, shall not be deemed the extension of such non-conforming use.

Nothing herein contained shall require any change in plans, construction or designated use of a building or structure for which a Building Permit has been issued and the construction of which shall have been diligently prosecuted within ninety (90) days of the date of such permit.

Nothing in this Article shall prevent the reconstruction, repairing, rebuilding and continued use of any non-conforming building or structure damaged by fire, collapse, explosion or acts of God, subsequent to February 13, 2006, wherein the expense of such work does not exceed sixty percent (60%) of the reasonable value of the building or structure at the time of such damage.

No non-conforming building, structure or use shall be changed to another non-conforming use except to one of the same or less objectionable character as the present non-conforming use.

No non-conforming use shall be extended to displace a conforming use.

Nothing in this Chapter shall be interpreted as authorization for or approval of the continuance of the use of a structure or premises in violation of zoning regulations in effect at the time of or prior to February 13, 2006.

Whenever the boundaries of a District shall be changed so as to transfer an area from one District to a District of another classification, the foregoing provisions shall also apply to any non-conforming uses existing therein.