Unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter and subject to the restrictions and qualifications set forth in this chapter, nonconforming situations that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of this code may be continued.

Nonconforming projects may be completed only in accordance with Section 20.212.080, Completion of nonconforming projects.

When the use proposed for a nonconforming lot is one that is conforming in all other respects but the applicable setback requirements cannot be complied with, the applicant may apply for a variance prior to issuance of a building permit.

A nonconforming use already occupying a portion of a building may be extended within that building as a Level I use provided the expansion does not unreasonably increase noise, traffic, parking, or place unusual demand on water, sewer, or sanitary service to the site.

If no other structural alterations are made, any nonconforming use of a structure, or structure and premises, may be changed to another nonconforming use provided written findings in each specific case show that:

Expansion of an enclosed nonconforming use to land outside the building is not permitted.

A nonconforming situation may be enlarged one time to provide additional area not to exceed twenty percent of the floor area or land area which it occupied at the effective date of this code. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, application for enlargement of a nonconforming situation shall be a conditional use (Level III review); However, single-family residences and their accessory structures may be enlarged up to the allowable lot coverage as a Level I procedure.

Extension of Existing Building Lines. Where a portion of a building is located within a required setback area, the building may be extended along its existing building line but shall not encroach further into the required yard. (See Figure 20.212-1, Building Line Extension.)

The development standards and specific use controls applicable to a non-conforming situation are those which apply to the zone in which it is located, or the zone in which it would normally be permitted, whichever are more restrictive; except for uses incidental and accessory to a principal nonconforming use.

A permit for enlargement of a nonconforming situation in no way removes the nonconforming status.

The development standards and specific use controls applicable to a nonconforming situation are those which apply to the zone in which it is located, or the zone in which it would normally be permitted, whichever are more restrictive.

Minor repairs to and routine maintenance of property where nonconforming situations exist are permitted and encouraged. Such activities are subject to Level I review.

Expansion, enlargement, repair or reconstruction of a nonconforming residential accessory structure may be permitted under Level I processing when the nonconformity is a result of setback issues, and placement of accessory structures on the rear side property lines is a common neighborhood characteristic.

Major renovations or reconstruction, i.e., work estimated to cost over twenty-five percent of the replacement costs of the structure, may be done only in accordance with conditional use procedures (Level III), Chapter 20.216. In addition to the general criteria of Section 20.216.040, the following criteria shall be met when repairs or reconstruction costs are greater than fifty percent of the replacement cost:

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any nonconforming building ordered by any official charged with protecting public safety.

A nonconforming situation shall become discontinued when:

When a nonconforming situation is discontinued, the structure or use shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the district in which it is located; provided, when discontinuance results from a lapse in use, the following shall apply: