nonconforming use

Nonconforming use is a term used to describe buildings that are permitted in a particular area but no longer conform to current zoning regulations. These buildings are normally "grandfathered," meaning they are allowed to be used in spite of the nonconforming use. The right to continue nonconforming use, though, is often revoked when a building is damaged beyond a certain percentage of its value. In that case, the insured can only rebuild something that conforms to current codes, or it can rebuild at a different location. Either of these options may cost more than rebuilding the existing building at the current site.