§ 126-54. Intent.

(a)

Within the districts established by these land development regulations or amendments hereof, there exist lots, structures, and uses of land and structures which were lawful before this subpart was passed or amended, but which are prohibited in the future under the terms of these land development regulations.

(b)

It is the intent of this article to permit nonconforming uses and structures which create relatively minor friction to continue until they are removed by economic or other forces. It is not the intent of this article to encourage the survival of these nonconformities since it has been determined that they are incompatible with the character of the districts involved or to permit nonconformities to be enlarged upon, expanded, or extended. Existing nonconforming uses and structures shall not be used to justify adding structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.

(c)

To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this article shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or design or designated use of any structure on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which these land development regulations are derived or amendment hereto and upon which actual building construction has been diligently carried on.

(LDR 2002, § 28.01)