What does a nonconforming use in zoning regulations refer to?

A nonconforming use in zoning regulations refers to existing uses allowed to continue despite not complying with new regulations. This means that when a zoning ordinance is changed, any existing land use that does not fit the new zoning criteria may still be permitted to operate, usually under certain conditions. This is important for property owners, as it recognizes that they should not be forced to abruptly cease operations or make costly changes to their property simply because of new zoning laws.

Nonconforming uses are typically protected to a certain extent, allowing them to continue functioning, even though they may not fit within the updated zoning classification. This concept promotes stability in neighborhoods, as it helps to manage the transition between older and newer land use patterns without causing undue economic hardship to existing businesses or property owners.

In contrast, new developments must align with the current regulations. Temporary uses may be allowed under specific circumstances but do not pertain to the concept of nonconforming uses. The requirement for immediate variance approval does not apply to nonconforming uses, as those are already established and permitted under prior regulation.