Existing lawful nonconforming uses. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the lawful uses of land or buildings existing at the time of adoption of this chapter may be continued even though such does not conform to the regulations specified by this chapter for the district in which such land or building is located: provided, however, that:

Existing nonconforming regulations. Except as otherwise provided in this section, nonconforming regulations cited herein existing at the time of adoption of this chapter may be continued even though such does not conform to the regulations specified by this chapter for the district in which such regulations are applicable; provided, however, that:

Enlargement. The nonconforming use of land shall not be enlarged, extended, added to or increased beyond the area of land occupied by such use at the time of adoption of this chapter unless such enlargement brings the use more in conformance with this chapter, except that the Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer may issue a permit in cases where the enlargement of a building on a nonconforming lot or the construction of an accessory building will not result in land coverage in excess of that permitted by this chapter.

Change. The nonconforming use of land shall not be changed or altered to another nonconforming use of land. Nonconforming use of land can only be changed to a conforming use of land.

Movement. The nonconforming use of land shall not be moved or relocated in whole or part to any portion of the lot or parcel of land occupied by such nonconforming use at the time of adoption of this chapter unless such movement brings the use more in conformance with this chapter.

Abandonment. If a nonconforming use of land is discontinued or abandoned for a period of 12 consecutive months, it shall not be renewed, and any subsequent use of the land shall conform to the regulations of this chapter. Renewal of a nonconforming use of land after abandonment shall be deemed a violation subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter.

Removal. Exceptions, as noted herein, to the continuation of existing lawful nonconforming use of land shall be removed within one year of the adoption of this chapter. Failure to remove the use within one year will result in the issuance of a notice of violation. The exceptions are junkyards, storage of automobiles, trucks and farm equipment and refuse, waste, debris and construction, storage, transfer and disposal facilities.

Enlargement. The nonconforming use of a building shall not be enlarged, extended, added to or increased beyond the area of building occupied by such use at the time of adoption of this chapter, unless such enlargement brings the use more in conformance with this chapter.

Change. The nonconforming use of a building shall not be changed or altered to another nonconforming use of a building. The nonconforming use of a building can be changed or altered to a more conforming use of a building.

Movement. The nonconforming use of a building shall not be moved or relocated, in whole or in part, to any portion of the lot or parcel of land occupied by such nonconforming use at the time of adoption of this chapter, unless such movement brings the use more in conformance with this chapter.

Abandonment. If a nonconforming use of a building is discontinued or abandoned for a period of 12 consecutive months, it shall not be renewed, and any subsequent use of the building shall conform to the regulations of this chapter. Renewal of a nonconforming use of a building after abandonment shall be deemed a violation subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter.

Removal. Exceptions, as noted herein, to the continuation of existing lawful nonconforming use of a building shall be removed within one year of the adoption of this chapter. Failure to remove the use within one year will result in the issuance of a notice of violation. The exceptions are junkyards, storage of automobiles, trucks and farm equipment and refuse, waste, debris and construction, storage, transfer and disposal facilities.

Destruction of nonconforming building. If, at any time, any building in existence or maintained at the time of adoption of this chapter and not conforming to the regulations for the district in which it is located shall be destroyed by any means to an extent that the remaining value is less than 50% of the assessed value, the immediate area occupied by said building shall thenceforth be subject to all the regulations specified by this chapter for the district in which such land and buildings are located.

Nonstructural signs.

Structural signs. Any nonconforming sign that is a structure or removable part of a structure shall be removed within five years of the effective date of this chapter, except as specifically provided herein.

They shall have minimum size of 10,000 square feet.

They shall be constructed on a lot a minimum of seven acres in size.

They shall be located at a minimum distance of 200 feet from a public right-of-way and a minimum distance of 100 feet from adjoining property lines, side and rear, by an owner(s) other than an applicant.

They shall have a minimum depth of 10 feet.

They shall be considered a structure so that the percentage of land in use will be in conformity with § 127-10C of the Town of Wilson Code and the Zoning Schedule referred to therein. A compliance permit from the Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer shall be required.

They shall have a finished slope of one foot vertical to four feet horizontal on all sides from the edge of water to a point 12 feet out from said edge.

They shall have a finished slope of one foot vertical to three feet horizontal on all sides that exceed 12 feet out from the edge of water.

All soil excavated as a result of pond construction shall be retained on the premises for grading, finished seeding, sodding or other landscaping purposes.

A recommendation on the site and plan shall be required from the Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District prior to approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

A rescue device consisting of a throw ring, stanchion, and a minimum of 100 feet of rope shall be required. An aeration device is recommended.

A maintenance plan shall be submitted with the pond application and approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Town Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer or Deputy Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer shall enforce all regulations and requirements as propounded by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ponds may be permitted in any district referred to in the Zoning Law of the Town of Wilson Code, Chapter 127. This section shall supersede any section contrary or inconsistent therewith.

The Zoning Board of Appeals shall so consider and determine whether the proposed pond location will have an adverse effect on neighboring property or residents. It shall have the power in determining an appeal to consider that exceptional physical conditions connected with a particular site create practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships to strict compliance with any part of this section, which would deprive the landowner of the reasonable use of the land involved, so it may vary or modify the application of this section for construction of the pond.