Subject to the provisions of this article, a use of building or land existing at the time of the effective date of this chapter may be continued even though such use does not conform to the provisions of these regulations for the district in which it is located.

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.

A nonconforming building or structure may be altered, improved or reconstructed, provided that such work is not to an extent exceeding in aggregate cost 100% of the fair market value of the building or structure unless the building or structure is changed to a conforming use.

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the reconstruction, repairing, rebuilding and continued use of any nonconforming building or structure damaged by fire, collapse, explosion or act of God subsequent to the effective date of this chapter wherein the expense of such work does not exceed 100% of the fair market value of the building or structure at the time such damage occurred.

A nonconforming use shall not be extended by the extension of a lawful use to any portion of a nonconforming building, or structures which existed prior to the effective date of this chapter shall not be deemed the extension of such nonconforming use.

No nonconforming building, structure or use shall be changed to another nonconforming use.

Nothing herein contained shall require any change in plans, construction or designated use of a building or structure for which a zoning permit has been issued, and the construction of which shall have been diligently prosecuted within two months of the date of such permit, and the ground story framework of which shall have been completed within four months of the date of the permit, and which entire building shall be completed according to such plans as filed within one year from the effective date of this chapter.

A nonconforming use of a building or land which has been abandoned shall not thereafter be returned to such nonconforming use. A nonconforming use shall be considered abandoned as follows:

Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted as authorization for or approval of the continuance of the illegal use of a structure or premises in violation of zoning regulations in existence at the time of the effective date of this chapter.

Whenever the boundaries of a district shall be changed so as to transfer an area from one district to another district of a different classification, the foregoing provisions shall apply to any nonconforming uses existing therein.

All nonconforming uses existing at the time of the effective date of this chapter shall be recorded and maintained for public use in the office of the Zoning Officer.

Regardless of any other provisions of this chapter, every sign which after the effective date of this chapter exists as a nonconforming use in any district shall be discontinued and removed or changed to a use permitted in the respective districts not later than five years after the effective date of this chapter.