The following provisions shall apply to all nonconforming uses and structures. It is the intention of Lawrence Township that all legal nonconforming uses and structures shall be able to continue; however, all changes in such uses shall only be as allowed in this article.
A. Any nonconforming use may be continued, or may be changed to a use of the same or a more restrictive classification, but may not be extended or expanded unless to a conforming use, except as permitted by the Board in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
B. Any nonconforming building which has been damaged or destroyed by fire or any other means may be reconstructed and used as before, if such reconstruction is performed within 12 months of discontinuance of use and if the restored building covers no greater area and contains no greater cubic content. If approved by the Board, a reconstructed structure may exceed its original lot coverage and cubic content but must meet the minimum yard requirements of the district in which the structure is located, and in such cases it must meet the off-street parking and loading requirements of this chapter.
C. In the event that any nonconforming use, conducted in a structure or otherwise, ceases, for whatever reasons, for a period of one year, such nonconforming use shall not be resumed and any further use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
D. The nonconforming use of a building may be extended throughout those parts thereof which were manifestly arranged or designed for such use at the time of adoption of this chapter. A nonconforming building or structure may, with the approval of the Board, be extended, enlarged or replaced if such expansion does not occupy an area greater than 50% more than the structure occupied prior to such expansion, enlargement or reconstruction. Furthermore, such structures must meet the minimum yard regulations and height restrictions of the district in which the structure is located, and must meet all off-street parking and loading requirements of this chapter.
E. Nothing contained herein shall require any change in the overall layout, plans, construction, size or designated use of any development, building, structure or part thereof for which official approval and required permits have been granted prior to the effective date of this chapter and where construction is complete within six months from the date of issuance of the permit.
F. Once changed to a conforming use, no structure or land shall be permitted to revert to a nonconforming use.
G. Whenever the boundaries of a district shall be changed so as to transfer an area from one district to another of a different classification, this article shall also apply to any uses which thereby become nonconforming.
