Village Of Athens City Zoning Code
ARTICLE V
Nonconforming Buildings, Uses and Lots
§ 250-27 Existing uses.
The lawful use of any building or land existing at the time of the enactment of this chapter may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
§ 250-28 Discontinuance.
Whenever a building or land used for, or occupied by, a nonconforming use has been discontinued for a period of one year for residential dwellings or three years for other uses, such use shall not thereafter be used or occupied as a nonconforming use. Mobile homes which are vacant for one year or greater shall be considered abandoned for the purpose of this chapter.
§ 250-29 Alteration and extension.
A.
A nonconforming building may not be reconstructed or structurally altered during its life to an extent exceeding in aggregate cost 50% of the appraised value of the building at the time of application, unless the building is changed to a conforming use.
B.
A nonconforming use shall not be extended, but a lawful use may be extended into any portion of a nonconforming building. However, a nonconforming use may be rebuilt in the event of partial destruction thereof to occupy the same space on the lot, or may be rebuilt to provide greater yard space and less lot coverage and to not exceed the height of the totally or partially destroyed building.
§ 250-30 Construction started prior to effective date.
Nothing herein contained shall require any change in plans, construction or designated use of a building for which construction shall have been diligently prosecuted prior to the effective date of this chapter.
§ 250-31 Undersized lots.
Lots of record at the time of adoption of this chapter whose area and/or depth are less than the specified minimum requirements set forth herein shall be deemed to meet the minimum size regulations of this chapter. No new lot shall be created which does not meet the minimum lot size regulations of this chapter.