What is a pre-existing non-conforming use?

A pre-existing non-conforming use is a land use that was legally in existence before a change in zoning or land use regulations. In Washington, state law protects a person or business from having to change their use or stop using their land due to the new regulations. This makes it possible for people to continue using their land for whatever purpose it was being used before any new laws were passed, despite any changes that may be incompatible with the current zoning or land use regulations. For example, if a person is using their land as a farm, they may be able to continue using the land as a farm even if the new zoning regulations prohibit farming in the area. This is because the person was using the land as a farm before the zoning regulations were passed. The pre-existing non-conforming use is important in Washington because it allows people to continue using their land in the way they were before the new laws were enacted.

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What is a pre-existing non-conforming use?

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