Any lawful use of the land or buildings existing at the date of passage of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived and located in a district in which it would not be permitted as a new use under this chapter is hereby declared to be a nonconforming use and not in violation of this chapter; provided, however, that a nonconforming use shall be subject to and the owner comply with the regulations in this article.

Where, at the time of passage of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, lawful use of land exists which would not be permitted by the regulations imposed by this chapter and where such use involves no individual structure with an assessed value exceeding $500, the use may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, provided:

If lawful use involving individual structures with an assessed value of $500 or more or of a structure and premises in combination exists at the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived that would not be allowed in the district under the terms of this chapter, the lawful use may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following:

Where a lawful structure exists at the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived that could not be built under the terms of this chapter by reason of restrictions on area, lot coverage, height, yards, its location on the lot, or other requirements concerning the structure, such structure may be continued as long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following:

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the reconstruction, repair, or restoration and the continued use of any nonconforming building or structure damaged by fire, collapse, explosion, acts of God or acts of public enemy, subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, wherein the expense of such reconstruction does not exceed 50% of the state equalized valuation of the entire building or structure at the time such damage occurred, provided that such restoration and resumption shall take place within six months of the time of such damage and that it be completed within one year from time of such damage and provided, further, that such use be identical with the nonconforming use permitted and in effect directly preceding such damage. In cases where the damage exceeds 50% of the state equalized value (SEV) of the entire building, a single-family dwelling which was built on a nonconforming lot of record may be reconstructed if it is in a zone which allows single-family dwellings and if it is rebuilt within the same footprint and dimensions of the original dwelling and will remain as a single-family home. A multifamily home must be rebuilt according to the current zoning requirements. If the lot is not buildable, a single-family home could be constructed to the same footprint of the multifamily home. The footprint may need to be adjusted to accommodate for required parking on the site. If possible required yard setbacks shall be applied. Appropriate permits and approvals must be obtained prior to reconstruction. All other nonconforming buildings or structures must conform to the appropriate zoning regulations prior to obtaining a permit for reconstruction. Where pending insurance claims require an extension of time, the Chief Inspector may grant a time extension, provided that the property owner submit a certification from the insurance company attesting to the delay. Until such time as the debris from the fire damage is fully removed, the premises shall be adequately fenced or screened from access by children who may be attracted to the premises.

Any structure, which is nonconforming to the current Zoning Ordinance, that is not intentionally destroyed over 50% of its SEV, can be rebuilt to the plan that was approved by the City at the initial time of construction, if the City has an approved building permit or site plan on file or if the property owner has record of said permit or plan that was approved by the City. A zoning variance would be required to rebuild any other nonconforming structure destroyed over 50% of its SEV.

No nonconforming building or structure shall be moved in whole or in part to another location unless such building or structure and the off-street parking spaces, yard and other open spaces provided are made to conform to all the regulations of the district in which such building or structure is to be located.

When plans and specifications for a building or structure have been filed which would conform with the zoning regulations effective at the date of such filing but not with the regulations of this chapter and where a building permit for such building or structure has been issued and construction work started at the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, such work may proceed, provided it is completed within one year of such date.