Which is a key factor that maintains the status of a non-conforming structure?

Maintaining the status of a non-conforming structure primarily hinges on consistent use since its establishment. A non-conforming structure is one that pre-dates current zoning laws and does not meet the present zoning requirements but remains legally in place due to its established use. This status often hinges on the fact that the structure has been continuously used for its intended purpose since it was built or modified, which demonstrates its ongoing relevance despite not conforming to current regulations.

When a non-conforming structure ceases to be used for a specified period, often defined by local ordinances, it risks losing its non-conforming status. Therefore, consistent use acts as a protective factor ensuring it can continue to exist and be inhabited or utilized without needing to conform to current zoning laws. This usage must be ongoing and uninterrupted, establishing a clear link to its original purpose.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of building compliance, do not directly affect the non-conforming status. An original building permit does not influence its current standing under changed zoning laws, annual inspections are typically for safety rather than zoning compliance, and compliance with previous regulations does not apply because the structure was already deemed non-conforming before such regulations were enacted. Thus, ongoing usage is the foundational criterion that safeguards the