What does a 'Non-conforming Use' refer to?

A 'Non-conforming Use' refers to a use of property that does not comply with the current zoning laws but was lawful before those regulations were enacted. This typically occurs when zoning laws change and an existing property or business no longer fits the new zoning classification. Such uses are often allowed to continue operating even though they don't comply with current regulations, as long as they were established before the zoning changes. It is a way to balance the rights of property owners with the community's interest in regulating land use.

The other options address different concepts: permitted uses involve activities that are compliant with current zoning, the process of converting rental units relates to market dynamics rather than zoning classifications, and legal challenges against zoning decisions represent disputes that may arise but are not directly related to the concept of non-conforming use.