Nonconforming use. A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendments hereafter enacted where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendments.

Nonconforming structure. A structure which does not comply with the applicable dimensional regulations, including those relating to density, impervious surfaces, building coverage, building height, and setbacks in this chapter or amendments hereafter enacted where such structure was lawfully in existence prior to enactment of this chapter.

Nonconforming lot. A lot or site which does not comply with the applicable dimensional regulations, including those relating to site area, lot area, and lot width, in this chapter or amendments hereafter enacted where such lot was lawfully in existence prior to enactment of this chapter or amendments.

Nonconforming sign. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size to the regulations of Article XV.

Expansion of a nonconforming use. A use that does not conform to the use regulations of the district in which it is located may not be expanded more than 50% in floor area, land area, or building volume, devoted to such use. Such expansion shall be permitted only by special exception, provided:

Expansion of a structure. A structure that does not conform with the setback, building coverage, building, height, or other dimensional regulations of the district in which it is located may be extended along the existing building line, provided the extension or addition does not increase the nonconformity and is no closer to the side, rear, or front boundary line than the existing nonconforming structure. Where a variance is sought, in no case shall a nonconforming expansion be permitted to exceed 25% of the ground floor area of the existing structure.

No nonconforming lot shall be reduced in size. An owner of two or more contiguous lots at the time of the effective date of this chapter which, when combined, would create a lot of conforming size, shall be required to combine such lots to create conforming lots prior to the issuance of a building permit.

A building may be altered or erected on any nonconforming lot which was lawful when created and which, prior to the effective date of this chapter, was in separate ownership duly recorded by plan or deed, subject to the following provisions:

Any lawful nonconforming use of land, exclusive of buildings and the uses contained therein, may be extended when authorized by special exception on the lot upon which it exists at the time of the effective date of this chapter. Expansion of a nonconforming use within a structure shall be subject to the provisions of § 525-77, above.

Such extension shall conform to the area and bulk requirements and to applicable sections of this chapter.

The extension of a nonconforming use on a lot shall be limited to the lot upon which the nonconforming use was located on the effective date of this chapter.

Change or a nonconforming use.

Change of a nonconforming structure, lot, or sign. Once changed to conforming conditions, no structure, lot, or sign shall be permitted to revert to nonconforming conditions.

The reconstructed building shall not exceed in height, area, and volume the building destroyed or condemned.

The building reconstruction shall be commenced within one year from the date the building was destroyed or condemned, and shall be completed within one year of the starting date.

Any reconstruction in the Flood Hazard District shall comply with the requirements of Article XI of this chapter.

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the strengthening or restoration to a safe condition of any walls, floor, foundation, or roof which has been declared unsafe by the Borough Building Inspector.