§ 510-12. Continuation of nonconformities.

The lawful use of a building, structure or property which existed at the time this chapter, or an applicable amendment to this chapter, took effect and which is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, including the routine maintenance of such a building or structure, may be continued, subject to the following conditions:

A. 

The shoreland-wetland provisions of this chapter authorized by § 61.351, Wis. Stats., shall not limit the repair, reconstruction, renovation, remodeling or expansion of a nonconforming structure or of any environmental control facility related to such a structure in existence on the effective date of the shoreland-wetland provisions. All other modifications to nonconforming structures are subject to § 62.23(7)(h), Wis. Stats., which limits total lifetime structural repairs and alterations to 50% of current fair market value.

B. 

If a nonconforming use or the use of a nonconforming structure is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any future use of the building, structure or property shall conform to this chapter.

C. 

Any legal nonconforming use of property which does not involve the use of a structure and which existed at the time of the adoption or subsequent amendment of this chapter adopted under § 61.351, Wis. Stats., may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter. However, such nonconforming use may not be extended.

D. 

The maintenance and repair of nonconforming boathouses which are located below the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters shall comply with the requirements of § 30.121, Wis. Stats.

E. 

Uses which are nuisances under common law shall not be permitted to continue as nonconforming uses.