Any pre-existing lot of record that would otherwise be subject to the requirements of the R-5 zone but that meets existing area and bulk zoning standards shall remain a buildable lot and shall not require an area or bulk variance, for either development or expansion. Additionally, any vacant lot contiguous to another lot owned legally or equitably by the same owner shall remain a separate lot, and shall not be considered merged as a result of this amendment. Furthermore, if because of fire, flood or catastrophe, a use or structure existing at the time of this amendment is destroyed, that use or structure may be restored to its previous condition without the necessity of a variance.

(It is the intent of this subsection that those lots and uses existing at the time of this amendment be preserved as pre-existing lots and uses, and that they retain the benefit of the zoning that existed prior to this amendment.)