Land Use & Zoning

What is a 'nonconforming use' in Delaware zoning law?

AA use that violates all zoning regulations and must immediately cease
BA legally established use that predates current zoning regulations and is allowed to continue even though it no longer complies with present zoning requirements✓ Correct
CA use that requires a variance for each year it continues
DA temporary use permitted by special exception for no more than 5 years

Explanation

A nonconforming use (or legal nonconforming use) is a land use or structure that was legally established before current zoning requirements and is allowed to continue even though it does not comply with current zoning. However, such uses typically cannot be expanded and, if discontinued for a period (often 1–2 years), may lose their nonconforming status.

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