It is not the intent of this article to interfere with or annul any easement, contract or covenant between parties, provided that wherever the regulations of this article require an equal or greater width or size of yard or other open spaces, or require an equal or lower height of building or an equal or less number of stories, or require an equal or greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied, or impose an equal or higher standards than are required in any other easement, contract or covenant, the provisions of this article shall govern. Wherever the provisions of any other easement, contract, or covenant require a greater width of yard or other open spaces, or require a lower height of building or a less number of stories, or require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied, or impose other higher standards than are required by this article, the provisions of such easement, contract or covenant shall govern. Nothing herein contained shall have the effect of making lawful any use now prohibited by law.

(Code 1975, §12-16; Code 1996, art. 12.1600(a))

Nothing herein contained shall require any change in the plans or intended use of a building for which a building permit has been heretofore issued ant the construction of which shall have been diligently prosecuted within 90 days of the date of such permit, and which entire building shall be completed, according to such plans as filed, within six months from the effective date of this article.

(Code 1975, §12-16; Code 1996, art. 12.1600(b))