Continuation. Any nonconforming use of a building or structure or of land existing at the effective date of this chapter may be continued, except as otherwise provided herein.

Change of use. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same character or of a more restricted zoning classification by grant of special exception, only upon determination by the Zoning Hearing Board that the proposed new use will not be more detrimental to the neighborhood and surroundings than is the use it is to replace. In determining relative detriment, the Zoning Hearing Board shall take into consideration, among other things, traffic generation, nuisance characteristics (such as emission of noise, glare, dust, smoke, and odors), fire hazards, and hours and manner of operation. Whenever a nonconforming use has been changed to a conforming use, such conforming use shall not thereafter be changed to a nonconforming use.

Extension or enlargement of use. The nonconforming use of a building or of a lot shall not be extended or enlarged, and a building housing any such nonconforming use shall not be enlarged unless the Zoning Hearing Board shall, as a special exception, authorize such extension or enlargement. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant such special exception, provided that:

Alterations. A building housing any nonconforming use shall not be structurally altered, except insofar as is required by law to assure the structural safety of the building.

Damage or destruction. In reconstructing a building or structure devoted to a nonconforming use, the landowner must obtain a permit. No building or structure devoted to a nonconforming use shall, in the event of destruction or serious damage by fire, flood or similar cause, be reconstructed for the purpose of continuing the nonconforming use if the damage reduces the value of the building or structure by more than 75% of its prior market value. A building or structure devoted to a nonconforming use that is destroyed or is damaged in a manner that renders it incapable of continuing the nonconforming use without additional construction or repairs, in a manner other than by fire, flood or other Act of God, or by condemnation, shall not be reconstructed as a nonconforming use.

Abandonment. Whenever a nonconforming use of land, premises, building or structure, or any part or portion thereof, has been discontinued or left vacant for a period of one year, such discontinuance shall be presumed to constitute an intention to abandon such use; and any subsequent use of the property shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, unless the owner shall, by a preponderance of the evidence, overcome the presumption of abandonment. Whenever a nonconforming use of land, premises, building or structure, or any part thereof, has been abandoned for any period of time, the nonconforming use may not be resumed.

Subdivision and land development. Whenever a tract of land on which a nonconforming use is located is proposed for subdivision or land development per Chapter 315, Subdivision and Land Development, of the Township's Code, the nonconforming use shall be required to comply with the area and bulk requirements of this chapter.

Continuation/enlargement. Any nonconforming building or structure may be continued, altered or enlarged, provided such alteration or enlargement shall not increase the nonconformity of the building or structure with respect to the setback and coverage (area and bulk) requirements of this chapter or any subsequent amendment in effect at the time such alteration or enlargement is proposed. Any enlargement of a nonconforming building or structure which increases the nonconformity of the building or structure with respect to the setback and coverage requirements of this chapter or any subsequent amendment in effect at the time such enlargement is proposed shall require a special exception when the total floor area will be increased by more than 50% of the floor area of the nonconforming building or structure. The increase by more than 50% shall occur only once per nonconforming building or structure. In considering a special exception when the total floor area will be increased by more than 50%, the Zoning Hearing Board may include previous increases in the total floor area even though such increases were less than 50% and did not require a special exception.

Restoration. Any lawful nonconforming building or structure which has been damaged by fire, flood or other causes may be reconstructed within the limits of the existing foundation and to its former dimensions, provided that such restoration shall begin within one year from the date of damage or destruction and shall be completed within one year thereafter. Evidence of hardship beyond the control of the applicant is necessary to request an extension of time from the Board of Supervisors.

Use of nonconforming lots where yard requirements can be met. Any nonconforming lot may be used as a matter of right for any conforming use, including the construction of buildings or structures, which conforms with all applicable yard requirements for the district in which the lot is located.

Use of nonconforming lots where yard requirements cannot be met.

Moving. No nonconforming sign shall be moved to another position on the building or lot on which it is located, unless permitted by special exception.

Area. The total area of any nonconforming sign shall not be increased.

Replacement. No such sign shall be replaced, including a change in the sign message or business being advertised, except when authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.

Improvements. Such signs may be repainted, repaired or modernized, provided such improvements do not increase the dimensions of the existing nonconforming sign or change the sign message or business being advertised.

Discontinuance. Whenever any nonconforming use of a building or structure or land, or of a combination of buildings, structures and land, ceases, all signs accessory to such use shall be removed within six months from the date such use terminates.

Expansion. On parcels or tracts in which nonconforming signs are located, no new or additional signs, even if they conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be erected unless all nonconforming signs on the parcel are removed.

Nonconforming use. The design standards imposed for uses within the applicable district shall be appropriately applied to the nonconforming use of a lot, building or structure.

Nonconforming buildings and structures. The alteration or expansion of such buildings or structures conforms to the area and bulk requirements of the district in which it is located and shall not impose any hazard to adjoining properties.

Nonconforming lots. The proposed use and buildings conform to the permitted use and bulk requirements of the district in which such lot is located.