[Amended STM 10-2-1978 by Art. 1]
A.
Any lawful use of any structure or land or both may be continued, although not conforming with the provisions of this chapter. A nonconforming business may be sold for a similar nonconforming purpose if not governed by the conditions of § 205-18.
B.
Existing nonconforming structures or uses may be extended or altered, provided that such extension or alteration conforms to the applicable land space and use requirements for that zoning district. No nonconforming extension or alteration is permitted unless there is a finding by the Zoning Board of Appeals that such a change, extension or alteration shall not be substantially more detrimental that the existing nonconforming structure or use to the neighborhood. Such action by the Board of Appeals shall be in accordance with Article XII of this chapter and MGL C. 40A.
[Amended STM 11-3-1994 by Art. 13]
C.
Nothing herein contained, however, shall prevent the
alteration or enlargement of a sanitary disposal system which may
be nonconforming, provided that such alteration or enlargement shall
comply with all requirements of the State Department of Public Health
or, if such system is not subject to state approval, with the requirements
of the local Board of Health. No special permit or other action by
the Board of Appeals shall be required in such event.
If any nonconforming use of any structure or
land, or both, is changed to a conforming use, it shall not thereafter
be put into any nonconforming use.
If any nonconforming development or use of land
or of a building be discontinued for a period not less than 24 consecutive
months, which, in the terms of this chapter, shall be evidence of
abandonment of a nonconforming usage, such land or building shall
thereafter be used or developed only in accordance with the terms
of this chapter for the zoning district in which such property is
located.
[Amended STM 10-2-1978 by Art. 1]
Any nonconforming building or structure destroyed
or damaged by fire, flood, lightning, wind or other natural cause
may be restored only to the extent of its former nonconforming use
and status, provided that, before a building permit shall be issued,
plans of the restored building and the site shall be reviewed within
45 days of initial application for a building permit with the Planning
Board, and failure to act by the Planning Board within 45 days of
application shall constitute approval. Work of restoration must commence
within two years from the date of such destruction or damage.
[Added STM 10-2-1978 by Art. 1]
Construction or operation under a building permit
or special permit shall conform to any subsequent amendment of this
chapter, unless the use or construction is commenced within a period
of six months after the issuance of the permit and, in cases involving
construction, unless such construction is continued through to its
completion, as continuously and expeditiously as is reasonable.
