What is the designation for property use that does not comply with current zoning regulations?

The designation for property use that does not comply with current zoning regulations is known as Non-Conforming Use. This term refers to a situation where a property is being used in a manner that was permissible under previous zoning laws but does not meet the current zoning requirements. Non-conforming uses can exist when a property was legally established in accordance with the zoning laws at the time but has since become out of compliance due to changes in zoning regulations or amendments.

Non-conforming use status typically allows the property owner to continue using the property in its existing way, despite it being inconsistent with current zoning laws, though there may be restrictions on expansion or alterations. This status is necessary to protect property owners from being forced to stop using their property for certain purposes due to changes in zoning that occurred after their use was established.

Other terms like Conditional Use, Permitted Use, and Accessory Use refer to property functions that are allowed under zoning regulations, with specific criteria that must be met. Conditional Use permits certain uses under specific conditions, Permitted Use refers to activities explicitly allowed by zoning ordinances, and Accessory Use pertains to secondary uses that complement the primary use of a property. These concepts differ significantly from the idea of Non-Conforming Use, which inherently involves existing non