What does a non-conforming use in zoning laws refer to?

A non-conforming use in zoning laws specifically refers to a land use that was legally established before the current zoning regulations came into effect and does not comply with those regulations. This means that the land use was permitted at the time it was initiated, but subsequent changes in zoning laws or district regulations have made it incompatible with current standards.

Non-conforming uses are often allowed to continue operating, although they typically cannot be expanded or significantly altered, and property owners may face restrictions if they want to change the use or develop the property further. This principle helps protect property owners who established their uses in good faith under earlier zoning laws, balancing the need for community planning with the rights of existing landowners.

In contrast, a compliant use would adhere to current zoning regulations, and a use that violates the regulations would not be classified as non-conforming but rather as illegal. Building codes, while related, pertain more to construction and safety standards rather than zoning laws.