§ 656.701. Intent.

Within the districts established by the Zoning Code, as amended from time to time, there exist:

(a)

Lots,

(b)

Structures,

(c)

Uses of land or water and structures, and

(d)

Characteristics of use, which were lawful before the Zoning Code was adopted or amended but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of the Zoning Code or future amendments. It is the intent of the Zoning Code, under most circumstances, to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed but not to encourage their survival. It is further the intent of the Zoning Code that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded, intensified or extended nor be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district. It is further the intent of the Zoning Code that changes in nonconforming uses shall be discouraged and that a change from one nonconforming use to another shall be strictly controlled as set out in the Zoning Code.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the Ordinance Code, nothing shall authorize the continuance of any use or activity that has been specifically made unlawful, impermissible or similarly prohibited and where the council has specifically stated that such unlawful shall not be allowed to continue beyond a specified date or event.

(Ord. 91-59-148, § 1; Ord. 2007-1047-E, § 1)