If a nonconforming use or structure ceases operations for a continuous period of more than one year, then this shall be deemed to be an intent to abandon such use and any subsequent use shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.

If abandonment occurs involuntarily, the owner may request that the discontinuance be continued beyond the one-year period, provided that application for extension is made within the initial one-year period.

A nonconforming use of a portion of a building may be extended throughout the building if no structural alterations are made therein, other than those necessary to assure the structural safety of the building, provided that such extension may include structural alterations when authorized by the Consolidated Land Use Board of Mansfield Township as a special exception.

A nonconforming use of a building or land may be extended up to 25% of the area occupied by such use at the effective date of this chapter, when authorized by the Consolidated Land Use Board of Mansfield Township as a special exception. Any such extension or enlargement shall be immediately adjacent to the existing nonconforming use, shall be located on the lot held in a single and separate ownership at the effective date of this chapter and shall conform to the area and height regulations of the district in which it is situated.