Ste Genevieve City Zoning Code

The lawful use of a building existing at the time of the adoption of this Chapter may be continued even though such use does not conform with the provisions hereof, except that non-conforming use buildings may be enlarged up to fifty percent (50%) of their building area existing on the effective date of this Chapter.

If no structural alterations are made, a non-conforming use of a building may be changed to another non-conforming use of the same or more restricted classification. The foregoing provisions shall also apply to non-conforming uses in districts as may be hereafter changed. Whenever a non-conforming use of a building has been changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted use.

When a building, the use of which does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter, is damaged by fire, explosion, act of God or the public enemy to the extent of more than sixty-five percent (65%) of its fair market value, it may only be restored upon the issuance of a permit by the Board of Adjustment as provided in Section 405.220 of this Chapter.

In the event that a non-conforming use of any building or premises is discontinued or its normal operation stopped for a period of two (2) years, the use of the same shall thereafter conform to the use permitted in the district in which it is located.

A non-conforming use occupying only a portion of a building may be extended throughout the building if the same has been lawfully acquired and actually devoted to such use previous to the adoption of this Chapter or to any affecting amendments thereof.

Whenever the use of a building becomes non-conforming through a change in zoning requirements or district boundaries, such use may be continued and if no structural alterations are made, it may be changed to another non-conforming use of the same or a more restricted classification.

Any mobile home located in a district other than a Mobile Home Park District from and after the effective date of this Chapter shall be considered as a non-conforming use of the land under the provisions of this Chapter; provided, however, that the replacement of a mobile home with an improved mobile home manufactured no more than ten (10) years prior to application for replacement by the owner of the existing mobile home under the provisions of the special use regulations of this Chapter shall not be considered such a change so as to alter the preexisting non-conforming use.