§ 15.1. Purpose.

This Ordinance places restraints on the use of land and its improvements by establishing minimum standards. Prior to the adoption of this Ordinance, land and improvements were used and plans were initiated to use land and improvements in a number of instances according to standards below the standard established in this Ordinance. It is recognized that the strict application of the provisions of this Ordinance to circumstances emanating from past actions and past intentions as regards the use of land, when no standards or lesser standards were in existence, could yield hardships. It is recognized further that properties which do not now conform to the provisions of this Ordinance could be allowed to be used in such ways without violating the spirit of the Ordinance.

Accordingly, the following sections refer to situations in which lots have been platted prior to the adoption of this Ordinance with dimensions and other characteristics which are not in conformity with the standards of this Ordinance; to treatment of existing uses and structures not in conformity with the standards of this Ordinance; to standards for the reconstruction of damaged structures which did not conform to the standards of this Ordinance; and to changes in zoning, subsequent to the adoption of this Ordinance, as these might affect conformity of parcels of land, their use or improvements thereon to the standards of this Ordinance.