This chapter shall be known, and may be cited and referred to, as the "Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Las Vegas."

An official zoning plan for the City of Las Vegas is hereby established and adopted to serve the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community and to provide the economic and social advantage resulting from an orderly, planned use of land resources.

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the provisions of an Act of the State Legislature known as Chapter 300, Laws of 1965, and Chapter 279, Section 20, Laws of 1977 (being NMSA 1978, §§ 3-21-1 through 3-21-26). The provisions of this chapter are adopted in acceptance of and accordance with said Act.

The provisions of this chapter, insofar as they are substantially the same as existing ordinances relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations and not as new enactments. The reenactment of these provisions shall not constitute validation of any use not conforming to the zone in which it is located.

The existing use or uses of all buildings, improvements, and premises not in conformity with the standards or requirements of the zoning district in which they are located, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, and which uses are legal, or for which permits or variances were granted under previous ordinances, may continue as nonconforming uses or variances as hereinafter defined, and subject to the provisions regulating such uses.