Within the land use districts there may be nonconforming lots of record, structures, uses of land and uses of structures that were lawful upon the effective date of the provisions of this title or an amendment thereto but which are made unlawful by the adoption of the provisions of this title or an amendment thereto. It is the intent of this chapter to permit these preexisting lawful nonconformities to continue until they are removed, abandoned, substantially damaged, or sold, but not to encourage their perpetuation. Such nonconformities should be discontinued or brought into conformity with the current requirements of this title at the earliest possible time. As used in this chapter, “current” refers to the requirements applicable after the effective date of the applicable provisions of this title or an amendment thereto. [Ord. 01-05 § 8.]