A. Within the zoning districts established by this title or any amendment that may later be adopted, there may exist lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and characteristics of use that were lawful before the effective date of the applicable regulations, but that would be prohibited, regulated, or restricted under the terms of GHMC Title 17 or a future amendment thereof. This chapter is intended to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed but not to encourage their perpetuation. It is further intended that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded, extended or be used as grounds for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.

B. Because nonconformities do not conform to the requirements of the regulations within their zoning districts, they are declared by this chapter to be incompatible with the permitted uses in the districts involved. A nonconforming use of land shall not be extended or enlarged after passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter by the addition of other uses. To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any building for which application for a building permit was made prior to the effective date of the adoption or an amendment of the ordinance codified in this title. (Ord. 1278 § 4, 2013; Ord. 710 § 68, 1996; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).