The regulations set by this chapter shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land, and particularly, except as provided in this section:

1. No land, building, or structure shall be used or occupied, and no building, structure, or part thereof shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered except in conformity with all the regulations specified in this section for the district in which it is located.
2. No sign shall be erected, hung, placed, painted, altered, or moved except in conformity with the regulations of the district in which it is located.
3. No part of a yard, open space, off-street parking, or loading space required about or in connection with any building for the purpose of complying with this chapter shall be included as part of a yard, open space, off-street parking or loading space similarly required for any other building.
4. No lot or yard existing at the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall be reduced in dimension or area below the minimum requirements set forth in this chapter. Lots or yards created after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall meet the minimum requirements established by this chapter.
5. No accessory building shall be constructed upon a lot until the construction of the main building has actually commenced. No accessory building shall be used unless the principal building on the lot is also used. No cellar or basement shall be used as a dwelling prior to substantial completion of the dwelling of which it is part.

(Code 2011, § 17.08)