A.
Nonconforming signs, nonconforming structures, nonconforming buildings
and nonconforming uses may continue until they are removed or discontinued,
subject to the limitations provided in this chapter.
B.
No nonconforming sign, structure, building or use shall be changed
to another nonconforming sign, structure, building or use.
C.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorization for or
approval of the continuance of any sign, structure, building or use
in violation of the zoning regulations or other ordinances in effect
as of the effective date of this chapter. Any sign, structure, building
or use which is enlarged, increased, extended or reconstructed pursuant
to the provisions of this chapter to occupy a floor area or land area
greater than existed at the time when it became nonconforming shall
comply with the height, area and yard requirements applicable at the
time of such change to the district in which it is located.
A.
A nonconforming sign may be repaired or reconstructed, provided that
no structural alterations may be made which increase the gross surface
area of the sign or of the land occupied by the sign by more than
25%.
B.
The substitution of poster panels and painted boards on nonconforming
signs shall be permitted.
A nonconforming structure or nonconforming building may be enlarged,
increased, extended or reconstructed to occupy a floor area not more
than 25% greater than was occupied at the time when it became nonconforming.
A structure which does not have a floor area may be enlarged, increased,
extended or reconstructed to occupy an area of land not more than
25% greater than was occupied at the time when it became nonconforming.
A nonconforming use within a structure or building may be enlarged,
increased or extended to occupy a floor area within such building
not more than 50% greater than was occupied at the time when it became
nonconforming.
A nonconforming use of land which does not involve a structure
or building may be enlarged, increased or extended to occupy an area
of land on the same lot not more than 25% greater than was occupied
at the time when it became nonconforming.
Whenever the boundaries of a district shall be changed so as
to transfer an area from one zoning district to another zoning district,
the provisions of this chapter shall thereafter apply to any uses,
structures, buildings or signs made nonconforming by such change.
A nonconforming sign, structure or building which is damaged
or destroyed by casualty may be restored, provided that:
A.
The restored structure, building or sign may not be enlarged, increased
or extended to occupy a floor area or land area more than 25% greater
than was occupied at the time when it became nonconforming; and
B.
Such restoration is started within six months of the occurrence of
the casualty and diligently prosecuted to completion within 24 months.
When a nonconforming sign, structure, building or use is abandoned
or discontinued for a continuous period of two years or more, any
future use, structure, building or sign shall be in conformity with
the provisions of this chapter.
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the erection of a structure
in a district where permitted, upon a lot whose lot area or lot width
does not meet the requirements for the district in which the lot is
located, if:
A.
All home occupations in existence prior to the adoption date of this
section are in violation of this chapter unless the home occupation
was granted a special exception by the Shaler Township Zoning Hearing
Board or unless the home occupation predates the original adoption
of the Township Zoning Ordinance.
B.
Any home occupation which is operating without having been granted
previously a special exception from the Township Zoning Hearing Board
or which does not predate the Township Zoning Ordinance is hereby
required to obtain a no-impact home-based business permit from the
Township Code Enforcement Officer.
C.
Any home occupation which has been granted previously a special exception
by the Township Zoning Hearing Board prior to the adoption of this
chapter and operating in compliance with a previously granted special
exception shall be entitled to continue to operate under those terms
(at that address). However, any home occupation approved previously
by the Zoning Hearing Board that has acquired any feature not approved
by the Board shall not be entitled to continue, and such business
or commercial activity must obtain a no-impact home-based permit from
the Code Enforcement Officer.
All lawfully existing nonconforming communications towers shall
be subject to the following requirements:
A.
A nonconforming communications tower or a communications facility
may be utilized for co-location.
B.
A nonconforming communications tower may not be increased in height.
C.
If a nonconforming communications tower or communications facility
ceases to be utilized or becomes obsolete, the obsolete or unused
communications tower or facility shall be removed completely within
six months of cessation of use.
