Chapter 18.100
NONCONFORMING USES

Sections:

18.100.010    Nonconforming uses.

18.100.010 Nonconforming uses.

(a) Continuation of Use. A nonconforming use may be continued and a nonconforming building may continue to be occupied, except as otherwise provided in these regulations.

(b) Change of Use or Building. A nonconforming use or building may be changed to any conforming use or building.

(c) Abandonment of Use. If active and continuous operations are not carried on as a nonconforming use during a period of one year, the building, other structure or tract of land where such nonconforming use previously existed shall thereafter be occupied and used only for a conforming use. Intent to resume active operations shall not affect the foregoing. A nonconforming use or building, if changed to a conforming use, may not thereafter be changed back to any nonconforming use or building.

(d) Restoration. A nonconforming building may be restored whenever necessary or desirable to the use of such building or structure, but if a nonconforming building is damaged by fire or other cause to the extent of more than 60 percent of its value, as determined by the building inspector, such nonconforming building shall thereafter be discontinued.

(e) Enlargement of a Nonconforming Use. A nonconforming use, when in a building, may be extended throughout the same building devoted to such use at the time of the adoption of the resolution causing such use to become nonconforming; provided, that any structural alteration conforms to the requirements of these regulations. A nonconforming use of land shall not be extended or enlarged in any manner whatsoever.

(f) Alteration of a Nonconforming Building. A nonconforming building may be structurally altered, repaired or enlarged in any way permitted by these regulations; however, no alteration, repairs or enlargements shall be made in a nonconforming building which would increase the degree of nonconformity with the location and bulk regulations of this chapter.

(g) Unsafe Buildings. Any building or other structure containing a nonconforming use or any nonconforming building or portion thereof declared unsafe by the building inspector may be strengthened or restored to a safe condition.

(h) Mobile Homes. Mobile homes in C, R, RH, or PUD districts are nonconforming uses and may be replaced by mobile homes only if they are of equal or better quality than the mobile home previously placed there, and separate utility hookups were previously used, as determined by the building inspector. Otherwise, mobile homes are not allowed in these districts. If a unit in these districts is vacant for more than five years, mobile homes are not allowed. [Ord. 834, 2022; Ord. 718, 2006. 1996 Code § 7-79. Formerly 18.90.010.]