The intent of this chapter is to control and gradually eliminate those uses of land or buildings which, although legal at the time of their establishment, do not now conform to the use regulations of the zone district within which they are situated. Such uses shall be deemed nonconforming uses and noncomplying structures. Likewise, it is intended to control and gradually eliminate buildings which, although legal at the time of their erection, do not now conform to the height, bulk and location regulations of the zone district within which they are situated. Such buildings shall be deemed to be noncomplying structures.

1. Continuance Permitted: Except specified, any use, building or structure, lawfully existing at the time of the enactment hereof or subsequent amendment thereto, may be continued even though such use, building, sign or structure does not conform with the provisions of this title or the zone district in which it is located. Except as otherwise provided by law, nothing in this title shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any part of any building or structure declared unsafe by proper authority.
2. Affidavit: Following the effective date, or any amendment thereto, by which a use, structure or sign becomes nonconforming, the owner of a land use, structure or sign, may register such nonconforming use, structure or sign, by filing with the administrator an affidavit setting forth the time that said use, structure or sign came into existence, the size of the structure or sign, and the size and extent of the nonconforming use existing on the effective date hereof, or applicable amendment. The administrator shall preserve the affidavit and on the basis of an approved affidavit issue a certificate of occupancy.