For the purpose of this Title, all land within the City is hereby designated on the zoning maps as being in one of the following districts:

Agricultural Districts

   AG-1 district - agricultural

   AG-2 district - agricultural

Residence Districts

   R-1 district - one- and two-family residential

   R-2 district - multiple-family residential

Commercial Districts

   C-1 district - general retail

   C-2 district - service retail

Industrial Districts

   I-1 district - light industrial

   I-2 district - heavy industrial

   I-3 district - energy

(Ord. 1793, 2-7-1977; amd. Ord. 3177, 6-7-2004)

The City Council shall cause to be published, as needed, a map clearly showing the existing zoning divisions and classifications. The City Engineer shall maintain a current zoning map, with amendments, for the City Council and the Plan Commission's use. The Plan Commission shall review the zoning map, annually, during the month of March to determine whether or not a new publication shall be required. (Ord. 1793, 2-7-1977)

Unless otherwise indicated on the Zoning District maps, the boundary lines of the districts follow lot lines, centerlines of streets, alleys or railroad rights of way or such centerlines extended, centerlines of creeks or the corporate limit line as existing at the effective date hereof. (Ord. 1793, 2-7-1977)

   A.   Generally: No building or land shall hereafter be used and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved, altered or remodeled unless for a use expressly permitted by and in conformity with the regulations for the Zoning District in which it is located. (Ord. 3797, 3-6-2017)

   B.   Zoning Of Agricultural Uses: Notwithstanding subsection A of this Section none of the following regulations in this Title, with the exception of front yard requirements, shall be applicable to bona fide agricultural uses as defined in Chapter 3 of this Title. This shall not be construed, however, as to eliminate the necessity of bona fide agricultural uses from applying for and obtaining the necessary building permit prior to construction, alteration or moving of buildings. No fee, however, shall be required for a building permit for such agricultural uses.

   C.   Zoning Of Annexed Areas: All territory which may hereafter be annexed to the City shall, from time of annexation, be considered as being the same Zoning District designated to said territory under the zoning provisions established by the Christian County, Illinois Zoning Board until and unless otherwise designated by zoning ordinance amendment as specified in the procedure in Section 10-9-6 of this Title. (Ord. 1793, 2-7-1977)

Any lawful use of land or structure existing at the effective date hereof or subsequent amendments hereto may be continued with the following limitations:

   A.   Expansion Or Alteration Of Nonconforming Use: Any structure containing a nonconforming use may not be expanded nor substantially remodeled. The Board of Appeals 1 may approve any remodeling and incidental repairs which do not tend to prolong the life of the nonconforming use.

   B.   Damaged Buildings: Any structure containing a nonconforming use which has been damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its current fair value, as estimated immediately prior to damage, shall not be repaired or reconstructed except in conformity with this Title.

   C.   Discontinuance Of Nonconforming Use: No nonconforming use shall be reestablished after having been discontinued for twelve (12) months. Vacating of premises or building or nonoperative status shall be evidence of a discontinued use.

   D.   Change Of Use: No nonconforming use may be substituted for any other nonconforming use or any conforming use. (Ord. 1793, 2-7-1977)

On any corner lot in all districts except the C-1 fire limits area, as described in this Code 1 , there shall be no obstructions to traffic visibility within thirty five feet (35') of the intersection of the two (2) street property lines of the corner lots. (Ord. 1836, 1-16-1978)