nonconforming use
Legally allowed exception
A nonconforming use is a property or building that was legally established under previous zoning laws but no longer complies with current regulations.
When zoning rules change, existing uses that would now be prohibited are typically allowed to continue as nonconforming uses, sometimes called grandfathered uses.
The gas station is a nonconforming use in what's now zoned residential.
These uses generally cannot be expanded and may lose their protected status if abandoned or significantly altered.
- grandfatheredProtected by precedent
- zoningSectioning areas by use
- zoning boardMunicipal land-use authority
- preexistingAlready in existence
- permittedGranted leave to proceed
special permit · rezoned · violation · setback · ordinance · legal · exemption · land-use · building · building code · property · code · density · residential · commercial · industrial · certificate · compliance
- urban planningcity planning, zoning map, master plans, zones, zoning reform
- land restrictionsdeed restrictions, easement, easements, covenants, setback
- zoningzoning codes, zoning ordinance, zoning code, zoning ordinances, zoning restrictions
- building codesIRC, building code, safety codes, construction codes, electrical codes
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