Which term describes a property use that is not in compliance with current zoning regulations but was lawful when established?

The term that describes a property use that does not align with current zoning regulations but was lawful when it was established is known as a nonconforming use. This concept arises when zoning laws change after a property has been developed or used in a certain manner. Nonconforming uses are often granted certain legal protections, allowing the property owner to continue using their property in a way that predates the updated zoning regulations.

This provision ensures that property owners are not penalized for pre-existing uses that were in harmony with the law at the time of establishment. While a property may not be in compliance with the current zoning code, the law recognizes the vested rights of the owner regarding their established use. This understanding enables a distinction between lawful usages that predate zoning changes and those that are entirely new and conflict with existing regulations.

Conforming use refers to activities that adhere to current zoning laws, and illegal use pertains to activities that are outright forbidden by zoning regulations. Temporary use typically refers to permissible uses that are restricted to a certain time frame, which does not apply to the described scenario of pre-existing and compliant uses.