A pre-existing structure or land use that conforms to regulations at the time of its establishment, but does not meet current zoning requirements, is often considered exempt from newer, more restrictive rules. For example, a small bakery operating in a residential zone before the area was rezoned exclusively for residential use may be permitted to continue its operations. This type of exemption is typically granted to avoid undue hardship on property owners and to recognize established property rights.
Such exemptions provide stability and predictability for property owners by safeguarding investments made in good faith reliance on prior regulations. They prevent abrupt and potentially financially devastating changes in land use. This legal principle also acknowledges the evolving nature of urban planning and recognizes the impracticality of forcing immediate conformity with every new regulation. Historically, this concept has played a crucial role in managing the tension between community development goals and individual property rights.
