The provisions of this Section shall apply to all non-conforming uses, lands, and structures. A nonconforming land use or structure is one which existed lawfully on the date this Zoning Ordinance or any amendment thereto became effective, and which fails to conform to one (1) or more of the applicable regulations of the Zoning Code or such amendment thereto, except minimum lot area, yard, and setback requirements.

No existing building or land devoted to a use which would otherwise not be permitted by the Zoning Code of the City of Union within the zoning district in which such building or premises is located shall be extended, expanded, reconstructed or altered. Any extension, expansion, reconstruction or alteration of any prior existing non-conforming use shall result in the loss of the non-conforming use status for such property. The loss of such non-conforming use status shall result in the entire parcel, building, structure or use being brought into compliance with all provisions of the Zoning Code of the City of Union, Missouri.

The lawful use of a building or land existing at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance or any amendment thereto may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions hereof. If no alterations are made, a non-conforming use of a building may be changed to another non-conforming use of the same or of a more restrictive classification. Whenever a non-conforming use has been changed to a more restrictive classification or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restrictive use.

In the event that a non-conforming use of any building or land is discontinued for a period of one (1) year, the building or land shall not again be devoted to any use other than those uses which are permitted in the district in which the structure or land, or structure and land in combination, is situated.

When a pre-existing 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 fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Official, it shall not be restored except in conformity with the regulations of the district in which the building is situated.