Non-Conforming Use Law & Legal Definition

Non-conforming use means the use of land or property, in a manner that is not permitted under the zoning ordinance. The existence of a structure that does not comply with the present zoning status for its location also constitutes a non-conforming use. An example of a non-conforming use is construction of a multiplex with a parking space for 700 cars when regulation lays down that multiplex should arrange parking space for 1000 cars. Any property zoned under the county’s general plan, when used in a manner that existed before the zoning process is said to be used for a non conforming use. Non-conforming use is permitted only in cases where the property was used before the adoption of the zoning ordinance. Non-conforming uses are often referred as "grandfathered" uses.