Article VII, § 425-50 and § 425-51

Other

• Abandonment period2 years

  No building or structure in which active nonconforming use is discontinued for a period exceeding two years subsequent to the enactment or amendment of this chapter shall again be devoted to any prohibited use.

• Change to more restricted use

  Whenever a nonconforming use of a building has been changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use, such use shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted use, unless such use would conform to zoning for the area.

• Continuation of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. use

  If, at the time of enactment or amendment of this chapter, any lot, building or structure is being used in a manner or for a purpose which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter and which is not prohibited by some other ordinance, such manner of use or purpose may be continued.

• Damage threshold for rebuild75 pct

  Any building damaged by fire or other causes to the extent of 75% or more of its assessed valuation may be rebuilt only in accordance with this chapter.

• Changes in districtZoning districtA mapped area with one set of rules, identified by a code like R-1 or B-2.

  Whenever the boundaries of a district are changed, any uses of land or buildings which become nonconforming as a result of such change shall become subject to the provisions of this chapter.

• Extension of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. use

  Any such nonconforming use which is not otherwise unlawful may be hereafter extended throughout any part of a building or structure, if indoors, or lot, if outdoors, which was manifestly arranged or designed for such use at the time of enactment or amendment of this chapter, provided that the yard, setback and height regulations of the district in which the use is located are observed.

• Permits previously issued

  The use of a nonconforming building or land area for which a permit was issued legally prior to the adoption or amendment of this chapter may proceed, provided that such building is completed within one year or such use of land is established within 30 days after the effective date of this chapter or the amendment.

• Single-family dwellingSingle-family dwellingOne dwelling unit on its own lot, usually detached from its neighbours. exception

  If a nonconforming structure is a single-family dwelling, or an historic area as defined in § 15.2-2201, Code of Virginia, it may be restored or replaced regardless of the percentage of destruction.