In any district in which single-family residences are permitted, a single-family house and customary accessory buildings and uses may be erected as a permitted use, on any lot record in existence at the effective date of this chapter even though the lot area and width are less than the minimum requirements set forth herein. However, the front, side, and rear yards shall conform to the requirements of the district in which the lot is located.

Where two or more adjacent lots with less than the required area and width are held by one owner, the request for a zoning permit shall be referred to the Zoning Hearing Board, which may require the owner of said lots to resubdivide or realign the existing lots or lot line of said nonconforming lots in such a manner so as to create a lot or lots that conform, or conform as nearly as possible (where total conformance is impossible), with the minimum applicable requirements for lot dimensions and area as set forth in this chapter; provided, however, that the Zoning Hearing Board shall not require any such action on the part of the owner until the Board has reviewed and considered the advisability and feasibility of compelling such action by the owner.