What term describes a building that was constructed before the current zoning ordinance and may not conform to current zoning regulations?

• A. Nonconforming Use
• B. Variance
• C. Conditional Use Permit
• D. Spot Zoning

Answer: (A)

Nonconforming use is when a building or its use exists under a zoning rule that is now outdated or different from the current ordinance. Because the use was established before the new rules, it can continue—it's often called grandfathered—even though it doesn’t meet the present zoning. However, there are limits: you usually can’t expand the building or change it to a more nonconforming use, and in some cases reconstruction after a loss may have to conform to current zoning. This idea fits the scenario of a preexisting build that doesn’t align with current regulations.

To contrast, a variance is a special permission to depart from a specific zoning requirement due to hardship, not because the use was in place before the ordinance. A conditional use permit allows a permitted use only if certain conditions are met. Spot zoning is an improper practice where a zoning decision favors a particular property in a way that undermines the plan for the broader area.