Except as otherwise provided herein, the lawful use of land or buildings existing at the effective date of this chapter may be continued for the same use although such use does not conform to the provisions hereof.

Mobile homes in lawful use as a single-family dwelling at the effective date of this chapter shall be subject to the following:

In a residential or commercial district where any sign does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, such sign and any supporting structures other than a building shall be removed no later than 10 years from the date of passage of this chapter. A nonconforming sign painted on the wall of a building or similar flat surface may be removed by painting so as to completely obliterate the sign. Supporting structures for nonconforming signs may continue in use for a conforming sign if they comply in all respects to the applicable requirements of these regulations and other codes and ordinances. Nonconforming signs may continue in use during said ten-year period unless subject to removal under other provisions of these regulations, but no permits for additional signs shall be issued for any premises on which there are any nonconforming signs.

No building, land or portion thereof used in whole or in part for a nonconforming use in any district which is discontinued or remains idle or unused for a continuous period of 60 days, whether or not the equipment or fixtures are removed, shall again be used except in conformity with the regulation of the district in which such building or land is located. If a property operating as a nonconforming use is in compliance with this section, converts or reverts to actual use as a conforming use in the district for a period of greater than 60 days, the prior nonconforming use shall be extinguished.

If a building is damaged by any natural causes, such as fire, wind or flood, it may be repaired or reconstructed and used as before the time of damage, provided that such repairs or reconstruction be substantially completed within 12 months of the date of such damage.

The casual, intermittent, temporary or illegal use of land or buildings shall not be sufficient to establish the existence of a nonconforming use, and the existence of a nonconforming use on a part of a lot or tract shall not be construed to establish a nonconforming use on the entire lot or tract.

Whether a nonconforming use exists shall be a question of fact and shall be decided by the Board of Adjustment after public notice and hearing and in accordance with the rules of the Board.

A building nonconforming only as to height, area or bulk requirements may be altered or extended, provided such alteration or extension does not increase the degree of nonconformity in any respect.

A dwelling nonconforming as to use in an industrial district shall be considered as a conforming use in application of the height, area and bulk requirements of this chapter.

A nonconforming use in violation of a provision of the ordinance which this chapter amends or replaces shall not be validated by adoption of this chapter unless such use complies with the terms of this chapter.