Continuation. Any lawful use of a building or land existing at the effective date of this chapter may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.

Extension. A nonconforming use of a building or land may not be extended or enlarged unless the Board of Adjustment approves said extension or enlargement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d. Said extension or enlargement shall be immediately adjacent to the existing nonconforming use and shall conform to the area and height regulations of the district in which it is situated.

Changes. A nonconforming use of a building or land may be changed to a nonconforming use of the same or more restricted classification, subject to Zoning Board approval. Whenever a nonconforming use of a building or land has been changed to a use of a more restricted classification or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a use of a less restricted classification.

Restoration. Any nonconforming building, structure or use that has been condemned or damaged by fire, explosion, flood, windstorm or Act of God shall be examined by the Construction Official. If, in the opinion of the Construction Official, the cost of repair is greater than 60% of the value of replacing the entire structure, it shall be considered completely destroyed and may be rebuilt to the original specifications only upon approval of a variance. If the cost of repair is less than 60% of the value of replacing the entire structure, it may be rebuilt and used for the same purpose as before, provided that it is rebuilt within one year and does not exceed the height, area and volume of the original structure. The percent damaged shall be the current replacement costs of the portion damaged or condemned, computed as a percentage of the current total replacement cost of the entire structure, neither to include the cost of the foundation unless the foundation is involved in the repair.

Abandonment. A nonconforming use shall be presumed abandoned if it is terminated by the owner or if a nonconforming use involving a structure is discontinued for 12 consecutive months or if a nonconforming use of land ceases for a period of 12 months. The subsequent use of the abandoned building, structure and/or land shall be in conformance with this chapter.

Repairs and maintenance. Minor work and ordinary repairs as defined in and regulated by the Uniform Construction Code[1] may be made to a nonconforming use, structure or lot, provided that the work does not change the use, expand the building or the functional use of the building, increase the area of a lot used for a nonconforming purpose or increase the nonconforming purpose or increase the nonconformity in any manner.

The lot area per family, yards and building area shall not be reduced to less than the requirements for the district.

Off-street parking stalls in the size and number as set forth in Article XV of this chapter shall be provided.

No structural alteration of the building exterior shall be made except as may be necessary for the purpose of sanitation or safety.

Such conversion shall be authorized only for a large building that has relatively little economic value or usefulness as a singe family or other conforming use.

The Board of Adjustment may prescribe such further conditions with respect to the conversion and use of such building as it deems appropriate in accordance with § 205-78.

No building may be erected, altered or used and no lot or premises may be used in a residence or commercial district for any use which is noxious or offensive by reason of odor, dust, vibration, illumination or noise or which constitutes a public hazard whether by fire, explosion or otherwise in the immediately surrounding area. In the BD Business Development District, no use that shall create a noxious, offensive or hazardous condition beyond a manufacturing district boundary line shall be permitted. In determining whether a proposed manufacturing use is noxious, hazardous or offensive, the standards set forth in § 205-35 shall apply.

Attached (row) or semidetached buildings used exclusively as dwellings shall not be permitted in any district.

No lot or premises may be used for a trailer camp.

The excavation or removal of sand, gravel, topsoil or similar materials shall not be permitted for sale or for use other than on the premises from which the same shall be taken, except in connection with the construction or alteration of a building on such premises and excavation or grading incidental thereto.

Rooming houses shall be prohibited in all zoning districts.

The following adult activities as described herein are expressly prohibited in all zoning districts except as may be permitted and regulated in accordance with § 205-34:[1]

No person shall have or keep in his possession any goats, sheep, cattle, swine or horses within the limits of the Township. No person shall have or keep in his possession any live chickens, pigeons or other fowl nor shall any person have or keep in his possession any animal for the purpose of breeding or permitting the breeding or raising of animals on any property which such person shall own or otherwise control. This subsection shall not apply to cats or dogs which are governed by other sections of the Township Code.

The placing, abandonment, leaving, parking, storing or maintaining of any uninspected, unregistered, unlicensed, disabled, dismantled or inoperable motor vehicle, boat, camper, machinery or mechanical equipment out of doors or on any private or public lands in the Township of Maple Shade is hereby prohibited.[2]

Front yard exceptions. In R-1 and R-2 Residence Districts, DB Downtown Business Districts, C General Commercial Districts and HC Highway Commercial Districts, the front yard of a proposed building may be decreased in depth to the average alignment of existing buildings within 100 feet on each side of the proposed building and within the same block if such alignment of existing buildings is less than the front yard requirement for the district.[1]

Assure itself that the proposed change is consistent with the spirit, purpose and intent of this chapter.

Determine that the proposed change will not substantially injure or detract from the use of neighboring property or from the character of the neighborhood and that the use of the property adjacent to the area included in the proposed change or plan is adequately safeguarded.

Determine that the proposed change will serve the best interests of the Township, the convenience of the community, where applicable, and the public welfare.

Consider the effect of the proposed change upon the logical, efficient and economical extension of public services and facilities, such as public water, sewers, police and fire protection and public schools.

Be guided in its study, review and recommendation by sound standards of subdivision practice where applicable.

Impose such conditions, in addition to those required, as are necessary to assure that the intent of this chapter is compiled with, which conditions may include but are not limited to harmonious design of buildings, plantings and maintenance thereof as a sight or sound screen, the minimizing of noxious, offensive or hazardous elements and adequate standards of parking and sanitation.