The provisions of this article shall apply to existing lawful uses, structures and lots which do not conform to this chapter or to any subsequent amendment of this chapter. Controls are established over such nonconformity to prevent:

Any lawful building or any lawful use of a building or land which does not conform to this chapter on the effective date hereof (Ordinance No. 1115, passed July 12, 1984) may be continued, provided that no subsequent alteration or addition shall be made which would extend such building or use, unless a special exception is granted.

A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use that appears in the same general zoning category if the use is most strictly regulated, by grant of a special exception only, upon determination of the Zoning Hearing Board, after a public hearing.

The nonconforming use of a building shall ordinarily not be extended or enlarged, and a nonconforming building shall not be enlarged or structurally altered, unless required by law to ensure the structural safety of the building. However, where an owner of a nonconforming use or building can demonstrate economic hardship, the Zoning Hearing Board shall be authorized to issue a special exception, provided that all the following findings are made:

Where a nonconforming use is conducted entirely on an unenclosed premises, no structure to house or enclose such use, whether or not such structure would otherwise conform to this chapter, shall be permitted to be erected on the premises.

Whenever a nonconforming use of land, premises, a building or structure, or any part thereof, has been discontinued for a period of one year or more, such nonconforming use shall not thereafter be reestablished, and all future uses shall be in conformity with this chapter.

No building 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 carrying on the nonconforming use. "Serious damage" means damage which reduces the value of any structure by more than 50% of its prior value. Reconstruction is permitted, provided that:

No nonconforming use shall displace a conforming use.

A lot held in single and separate ownership on the effective date of this chapter (Ordinance No. 1115, passed July 12, 1984), which does not contain the required minimum area or width, may be used for the construction, alteration or reconstruction of a building, or may be otherwise used, if the construction, alteration, reconstruction or other use is in compliance with the use, yard, setback, density and other pertinent provisions of this chapter.

No lot area shall be so reduced that the area of the lot or the dimensions of the open spaces shall be smaller than herein prescribed.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall provide for the registration of all lots, structures and uses which are nonconforming under this chapter within a reasonable time after the effective date hereof (Ordinance No. 1115, passed July 12, 1984). The record of such uses and buildings shall certify the extent and kind of use and disposition of the buildings and land. Upon notification, each occupant or owner of a nonconforming building or use shall make available such information as may be necessary to determine the extent and nature of the circumstances which cause such use or building to be in nonconformity with this chapter.