§ 18-304. Restoration of damaged structures.

(a) In general.

If a structure containing a nonconforming use is damage or destroyed or if a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed, the structure or sign may be repaired or reconstructed and the nonconforming use or sign re-established as long as no new nonconformities are created and the existing degree of any nonconformity is not increased.

(b) Timely restoration required.

(1) A building permit must be obtained for the repair or reconstruction within 1 year of the date of the damage or destruction.

(2) The Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals may grant an extension of this period.

(c) Effect of failure to act timely.

If a building permit is not obtained within the time required by this section or the repairs not completed within 1 year of the issuance of the building permit, then the use may not be reestablished unless the structure and the use conform to all regulations of the district in which they are located.