A nonconforming use is when a business or land activity was legally allowed and permitted when it first started operations at the property, but no longer meets the current zoning regulations for the property. This can happen if new regulations were added to the Richmond Municipal Code after the business was established or if the zoning map was changed.
Nonconforming uses can continue operating as long as they follow certain conditions. For example, they may be able to expand by up to 10% in floor area, but can't expand to different buildings or lots. If a business stops operating for a full year, it’s considered abandoned, and the status of "grandfathered in" is no longer applicable. If the site is empty, the business license expires, utilities are turned off, or the lease ends, the business type loses its right to operate there. However, every property and business is unique, and it is recommended to contact Planning Division staff to confirm nonconformity statuses for specific businesses.