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Morgan City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 10

28 NONCONFORMING USE OF BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES AND LAND

10.28.010 MAINTENANCE PERMITTED

Except as otherwise provided in this title, a nonconforming use of land or a structure may be continued. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

10.28.020 DETERMINATION OF NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS AND LAND USES

The land use appeal authority shall determine all matters regarding the nonconforming use of buildings and land. Upon application, after public hearing on the matter, the appeal authority shall determine if the use of building is nonconforming with respect to the current provisions of this chapter. The planning staff may determine routine and uncontested requests to verify nonconforming uses as provided in the rules adopted by the appeal authority. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. Ord. 12-05, 4-10-2012)

10.28.030 ALTERATION OR MODIFICATION TO NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Nonconforming buildings and structures with respect to setbacks or height may be continued. Additions, enlargements or structural alterations may be made to the extent that they comply with all requirements of this code. In addition, the appeal authority, after a public hearing, may allow an enlargement or structural alteration, provided the changes are in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood and in keeping with the intent of the general plan and this title. The proposed change shall not impose any unreasonable impact or burden upon land located in the vicinity. Reasonable conditions may be attached to the approval in order to assure neighborhood compatibility. If any such nonconforming building is removed, every future use of the land on which the building was located shall conform to the provisions of this title. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. Ord. 12-05, 4-10-2012)

10.28.040 NONCONFORMING USE OF LAND

A nonconforming use of land lawfully existing on the effective date hereof may be continued, provided such nonconforming use shall not be expanded or extended into any other open land, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. If the nonconforming use is discontinued for a continuous period of more than one year, it shall constitute an abandonment of the use and any future use of such land shall conform to the provisions of the zone in which it is located. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

10.28.050 NONCONFORMING USE OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The nonconforming use of a building or structure lawfully existing on the effective date hereof may be continued and may be expanded or extended throughout such building or structure, provided no structural alterations, except those permitted by law, are proposed or made for the purpose of extension. The addition of a solar energy device to a building shall not be considered a structural alteration. If such nonconforming use is discontinued for continuous period of more than one year, it shall constitute an abandonment of the use and any future use of the building or structure shall conform to the provisions of the zone in which it is located. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

10.28.060 CHANGE IN STATUS OF NONCONFORMING USE

If a nonconforming use is abandoned, it may be succeeded, upon approval of the city planner, by an equally restrictive or more restrictive nonconforming use, provided such change is effected within one year from the first day of abandonment. After a change to a less intensive use occurs, the use may not change back to a more intensive use. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code)

10.28.070 ALTERATIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO NONCONFORMING USES

A use, which has been declared nonconforming, shall not be enlarged or moved except as provided in this section. The appeal authority, after a public hearing, may allow an enlargement or modification, provided the change is in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood and in keeping with the intent of the general plan and this title. The proposed change shall not impose any unreasonable impact or burden upon land located in the vicinity. Reasonable conditions may be attached to the approval in order to assure neighborhood compatibility. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. Ord. 12-05, 4-10-2012)

10.28.080 RECONSTRUCTION OF PARTIALLY DESTROYED NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES

A nonconforming building or structure destroyed to the extent of not more than fifty percent (50%) of its reasonable replacement value at the time of its destruction by fire, explosion, other casualty, act of God, or action of a public enemy, may be restored. Occupancy or use of such building, structure or part thereof, which existed at the time of such partial destruction, may be continued subject to all the provisions of this title. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002)

10.28.090 AMORTIZATION OF NONCONFORMING USES

The appeal authority, under authorization of state statute, may provide for the timely modification or removal of a nonconforming use in order to comply with the general plan and zoning ordinance. The appeal authority may provide for a shorter time period by providing a formula establishing a reasonable time period during which the owner can recover or amortize the amount of any investment in the nonconforming use or structure, if any. (Ord. 040202, 4-2-2002; amd. 2003 Code; Ord. 12-05, 4-10-2012)