The existing lawful use of land which at the time of passage of this chapter[1] or any subsequent amendment does not conform with the regulations of the district in which it is located should have such use considered as nonconforming use. This nonconforming use may continue on such land but shall be subject to the regulations covering nonconforming use.

Any lawful building or the lawful use of any building existing at the time of the passage of this chapter[1] that does not conform to use, height, location, size or bulk with the regulations of the district in which it is located shall be considered a nonconforming building or use, and may continue such use in its present location, but shall be subject to the regulations covering nonconforming uses.

A building for which a valid building permit has been issued and is actually under construction to the extent of completion of footings may be completed as a nonconforming use. Buildings for which no permit has been issued at the time of passage of this chapter[1] shall be built in conformity with its requirements.

A nonconforming building or use shall be considered as such unless and until it complies with the regulations of the district in which it is located. Such use may be changed to a use of the same class of district but shall not be changed to a use designated for a district having less restrictive regulations. The Zoning Hearing Board shall have discretion to determine what change of nonconforming use is of the same class of district.

A nonconforming use, when discontinued, may be resumed any time within one year from such discontinued date, but not after, as the same class of use, but cannot be resumed as a nonconforming use of a lower class.

Any lawful nonconforming use of a portion of a building may be extended throughout the building and any lawful nonconforming building or any building of which a lawful nonconforming use is made may be extended upon the lot occupied by such building and held in single and separate ownership on the effective date of this chapter, provided that the area of such building shall not be increased by more than a total of 25% of the gross square footage of floor area of such building existing on the date it first became lawful nonconforming building or a building of which a lawful nonconforming use is made, or 25% of the gross square footage of the lot coverage area of the original nonconforming use, and provided further that any structure alteration, extension or addition shall conform with all the height, area, width, yard and coverage requirements for the district in which it is located and with all other applicable provisions of this chapter.

The Zoning Hearing Board shall have discretion to determine what resumption or change of nonconforming use is of the same class of use and permissible. Such approval shall expire if the applicant fails to obtain a building permit within six months of the date of authorization thereof.

A nonconforming building which has been damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, accident or calamity (as contrasted to deterioration due to time or neglect) may be reconstructed and used for the nonconforming use, provided that:

A nonconforming building which has been legally condemned shall not be rebuilt or used except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

For nonconforming signs, see § 230-210G.

A temporary nonconforming use, which will benefit the public health or welfare or promote proper development of a district in conformity with the intent of this chapter, may be permitted for a period of not more than one month, on the approval of the Zoning Hearing Board, but any such use to be permitted for a longer period shall require a public hearing thereon, after which a Zoning Hearing Board certificate may be issued for a period not exceeding one year.

Future construction of additions, patios, decks and accessory structures on nonconforming lots in subdivisions approved pursuant to Section 703 of this chapter[1] (repealed by Ordinance No. 1146) shall be governed by Article VII, § 230-55I.