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What is a non-conforming use?
Land use codes changes from time to time. As a result uses that were established prior to the adoption of the change are
allowed to continue provided adequate proof can be submitted to show establishment of use prior to the change. Each
particular situation has it’s own burden of proof and what time frame a use has to be shown to be active. Keep in mind a
use has to be continuous and legally established. If there are any questions regarding what date applies to your situation
or the proof required to establish lawful non-conforming use please contact the planning department for more
information.
Excerpts from Pinal County Development Services Code (PCDSC)
2.05.070 Non conforming use of land.
The lawful use of land existing at the time the ordinance codified in this title becomes effective, or existing on the effective
date of any amendment of the text or of the maps hereof, although such use does not conform to the provisions hereof
for the land, may be continued; but if such nonconforming use is discontinued for a period of 12 consecutive months, any
future use of the land shall be in conformity with the provisions of this title. A nonconforming use of land is also
discontinued when replaced by a conforming use. [Ord. 011812-ZO-PZ-C- 007-10 § 4; Ord. 61862 § 305].
2.05.080 Nonconforming use of buildings.
The lawful use of a building existing at the time the ordinance codified in this title becomes effective, or on the effective
date of any amendment of the text or of the maps hereof, although such use does not conform with the provisions hereof
for such building, such use may be continued provided no structural alterations, except those required by law or ordinance
or permitted by the board of adjustment, under this title are made. If any such nonconforming use is discontinued for a
period of 12 consecutive months, any future use of the building shall be in conformity with the provisions of this title.
[Ord. 011812-ZO-PZ-C-007-10 § 4; Ord. 61862 § 306].
2.05.090 Alteration of nonconforming buildings.
No existing building designed, arranged or intended for or devoted to a use not permitted under the regulations of this
title for the zoning district in which located shall be enlarged, extended, reconstructed or structurally altered unless such
building and such enlargement, extension, reconstruction and structural alterations, and the further use thereof, conform
in every respect with the regulations specified by this title for such zoning district in which the building is located, except
a nonconforming business use as provided in PCDSC 2.05.060, but nothing in this section shall authorize the violation of
any setback, health or sanitary law, ordinance or regulation not a part of this title. [Ord. 011812-ZO-PZ-C-007-10 § 4; Ord.
61862 § 307].
2.05.100 Destroyed nonconforming buildings.
If, at any time, any building in existence or maintained at the time the ordinance codified in this title becomes effective,
and which does not conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located, shall be destroyed by any act
of casualty or act of God to the extent of 100 percent of its value, the owner shall have the right to rebuild for the use,
provided the structure is rebuilt according to the area of the original nonconforming structure and is not expanded in any
way either vertically or horizontally. [Ord. 011812-ZO-PZ-C-007-10 § 4; Ord. 61862 § 308].
2.05.110 Interpretation, purposes and conflict.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, the provisions shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted
for the promotion of public safety, health, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare. It is not intended by this
title to repeal, abrogate, annul, or in any way to impair or interfere with any existing provisions of law or ordinance
previously adopted pursuant to the laws relating to the use of building or premises, or relating to the erection,
construction, establishment, alteration or enlargement of any building or improvements, except to the extent any existing
provisions conflict with or are inconsistent with the valid provisions of this title, and to that extent and no more, the same
are hereby repealed. It is not intended by this title to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easement, covenant or other
agreement between private parties, but where the zoning provisions of this title are more restrictive than any existing
private restrictive covenant affecting any portion of the unincorporated area of the county, said zoning provisions shall
prevail over said private covenant. [Ord. 011812-ZO-PZ-C-007-10 § 4; Ord. 61862 § 2601].