12.39.010 Intent.
Within the Districts established by this ordinance or amendment thereof, there may exist lots, structures and uses of land and structures which were lawful before this ordinance was enacted or amended, but which would be prohibited in the future under the terms of this ordinance or amendment.
It is the intent of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors to permit these nonconforming lots, structures and uses existing as of the effective date of this ordinance or amendment thereof to remain and continue in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth until they are removed by economic forces or otherwise. It is not the intent of this section to encourage the survival of nonconformities since it has been determined that they are incompatible with the character of the districts involved, or to permit nonconformities to be enlarged upon, expanded, or extended except as provided for herein. Existing nonconformities shall not be used to justify adding structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.
It is the further intention of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors that the guidelines be set for the purpose of determining:
(a) That the nonconforming lot, structure or use existed prior to the effective date of this ordinance or amendment thereto;
(b) The ways in which the right of the nonconforming lot or structure to remain can be served and the ways in which the right to continue nonconforming uses can be lost;
(c) The extent of permissible variation in the nonconforming lot, structure and use; and,
(d) The devices available for eliminating such nonconforming lots, structures and uses. [Code § 12.28-1.]