Legally Nonconforming Use

Legally Nonconforming Use - This concept is commonly known as being "grandfathered."A legally nonconforming use occurs when a property was built in compliance with the zoning laws of its time, but the laws were subsequently changed, rendering the structure non-compliant. The government cannot force the owner to tear down the building or change its use simply because the rule changed. The owner is allowed to continue the use legally; however, if the structure is destroyed by fire or abandoned for a significant period, it loses this protected status, and any replacement must meet the current zoning codes.