Any nonconforming use or structure existing at the time of passage
of this chapter may be continued upon the lot or in the structure
so occupied. Expansion of or increase in density or expansion of existing
nonconforming commercial or industrial uses is prohibited. Any nonconforming
use or structure which is less than 50% destroyed by fire, casualty
or act of God may be repaired, rebuilt and used as before, provided
that no increase in the degree of nonconformity is thereby created.
All repairs shall be initiated within one year after the damage occurs
and shall be completed within two years after such date, or such use
may not be rebuilt except as a conforming use or structure.
If any nonconforming use ceases for a continuous period of one
year or more, or is changed to or replaced by a conforming use, or
is moved for any distance for any reason, the land and building theretofore
devoted to such nonconforming use shall thereupon be subject to all
the regulations as to use for the district in which such land and
buildings are located as if such nonconforming use had never existed
and shall be considered to have been abandoned.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent keeping in
good repair a building in which a nonconforming use is conducted.
