The following provisions shall apply to nonconforming
uses:
A.
Any use of land or building which now legally exists
may continue.
B.
A building may be repaired, restored or strengthened
for the same use.
C.
A lawful nonconforming use may be extended by enlarging
the size or area of the land and the structure or structures thereof,
or changed to another nonconforming use, only by variance granted
by the Zoning Hearing Board upon finding that such change or enlargement
is necessary to prevent an unwarranted hardship, and provided that
such change or enlargement is in the best interest of the surrounding
community and in keeping with the proper spirit of community planning
and zoning. The Zoning Hearing Board shall seek the recommendations
of the Borough Planning Commission prior to rendering a decision.
D.
A nonconforming use, which shall remain idle and unused
for a continuous period of one year, whether or not the fixtures or
equipment are removed, shall be considered abandoned as a nonconforming
use and thereafter such building or land shall only be used for a
conforming use.
E.
A building which is partially or wholly destroyed
by fire, act of God or other casualty beyond the control of the owner
may be reconstructed within one year thereafter; provided, however,
that this period for reconstruction may be extended by the Zoning
Hearing Board upon suitable application within that year, for such
additional time as said Board shall determine, upon a showing to said
Board that strict compliance with this one-year period will work unwarranted
hardship or injustice to the owner, and that such reconstruction thereafter
will not be contrary to the public interest. Said reconstruction shall
conform to all provisions of this chapter.
F.
The Zoning Officer shall make an official registration
of each and every nonconforming use as soon as possible after the
enactment of this chapter.
