Question

For the past 30 years, a couple have operated a neighborhood grocery store. Last week the city council passed a zoning ordinance that changed the zoning to residential in the area where the grocery store is located. The store is now a(n) __________.

Answer 1

Answer:

A nonconforming use.

Explanation:

In a real estate language, a nonconforming use of property are referred to the use of a property that was allowed as per the zoning regulations at the time of building the property, but which can be no longer used because of the new zoning regulations. In simple terms, the operation of property for a particular use is nullified with the new zoning regulations.

In the given case, the grocery store will be considered a nonconforming use because the area in which the store is located has been changed to residential area as per the new zoning ordinance. Though the store was there for the past 30 years, and previously as per the old zoning ordinance it was in operation. But can no longer be in operation as a store in the area that has been announced to be a residential area.

So, the correct answer is a nonconforming use.