(a) The lawful use of a building or structure, or the lawful use of any land, as existing and lawful at the time of the enactment of a zoning regulation, or in the case of a change of regulations, then at the time of such change, may, except as hereinafter provided, be continued although such use does not conform with the provisions of such regulations or change, and such use may be extended throughout the same building, provided no structural alteration of such building is proposed or made for the purpose of such extension. County Council in any zoning regulations may permit the restoration, reconstruction, extension or substitution of nonconforming uses upon such terms and conditions as may be set forth in the zoning regulations.
(b) If the County acquires title to any property by reason of tax delinquency and such properties are not redeemed as provided by law, the future use of such property shall be in conformity with the then existing provisions of the zoning regulations of the County, or with any change of such regulations, equally applicable to other like properties within the district in which the property acquired by the County is located.
Structure Delaware Code
Subchapter I. General Provisions
§ 2601. Power of County Council; area subject to regulation.
§ 2602. Zoning plan and regulations.
§ 2603. Purposes of regulations.
§ 2604. Assistance from and cooperation with other agencies.
§ 2605. Department's powers in conduct of public hearing.
§ 2607. Changes in zoning district, plan or regulations; procedure.
§ 2608. Zoning coordination and integration; committees and rules of Department of Land Use.
§ 2609. Violations of regulations or subchapter; enforcement, remedies and penalties.
§ 2610. Nonconforming uses of land or buildings.
§ 2611. Conflict between zoning regulations and other laws.
§ 2612. Residential facilities for persons with disabilities.
§ 2613. Notice to local school districts of residential zoning changes.