08-21-14 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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SubpartBLANDUSEREGULATIONS Chapter106ZONING ARTICLEII.ADMINISTRATION DIVISION9.NONCONFORMINGBUILDINGS,STRUCTURESANDUSES (b) Continuance of nonconforming structures. Subject to all limitations herein set forth, any nonconforming structure may be occupied and operated and maintained in a state of good repair, but no nonconforming structure shall be enlarged unless the enlargement is made in accordance with the provisions of section 106-262(g) (Enlargement to non-conforming structure) of this chapter. (c) Accidental damage to structure. If a building occupied by nonconforming uses is destroyed by fire or the elements, it may not be reconstructed or rebuilt unless it conforms with the provisions of this chapter. In the case of partial destruction by fire or other causes, not exceeding 50 percent of its value, as determined by a licensed appraiser, the enforcing officer of the city may issue a permit for reconstruction. If greater than 50 percent and less than total, the board may grant as a special exception a permit for repairs but not for enlargement or reconstruction of the building. (d) Obsolescence of structure. The right to operate and maintain any nonconforming structure shall terminate and shall cease to exist whenever the nonconforming structure becomes substandard under the codes and ordinances of the city, and the cost of placing such structure in lawful compliance with the applicable ordinances exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost of such structure, as determined by a licensed appraiser, on the date that the enforcing officer determines that such structure is obsolete or substandard. The enforcement officer of the city shall notify the owner of such nonconforming structure, as shown on the certified tax rolls of the city, as to the date of termination of the right to operate and maintain such nonconforming structure, and as to the procedure to be followed to bring such structure into compliance with this chapter, or other codes and ordinances of the city. The burden of proof in showing that the structure's repair cost does not exceed 50 percent of the replacement cost of such structure rests upon the owner of such structure. The owner may appeal to the ZBOA within 60 days of the City notification. (e) Determination of replacement cost. In determining the replacement cost of any nonconforming structure, the cost of land or any factors other than the nonconforming structure itself, shall not be included. (f) Repairs and alterations. Repairs and alterations may be made to a nonconforming building or structure; provided, that the footprint of the building is not enlarged no external alterations shall be made except those required by law or ordinance, unless the building is changed to a conforming use. No additional dwelling units shall be added where the nonconforming use results from there being more dwelling units on the lot than is permissible in the district in which the building is located. (g) Enlargement to nonconforming structure. A structure that is nonconforming may be altered, remodeled or otherwise improved, but not enlarged, unless the board of adjustment determines ((pursuant to section 106-191 (Special exceptions)) that such enlargement will not result in an increase in the degree of nonconformity with the regulations and development standards of the district in which it is located. (1) Submission of schedule to eliminate nonconformity. The applicant shall present to the board of adjustment a schedule for elimination or substantial reduction of the nonconformity over a reasonable period of time not to exceed 20 years, or setting forth the reasons why such action is not reasonably possible. (2) Approval of schedule by board of adjustment. The board of adjustment shall review and make any revisions found necessary to ensure that priority is given to elimination or reduction of those nonconformities that have significant adverse impacts on surrounding properties, and which can reasonably be ameliorated taking into account the effect of the configuration of the lot and the location of existing structures and the cost of eliminating or substantially reducing such nonconformities. (h) Abandonment of nonconforming use or nonconforming structure. Clark Î state law conflict? LaPorte,Texas,CodeofOrdinancesPage45