Lawfully existing or established

A building, structure, sign or parcel of land, or use thereof, was lawfully existing or lawfully established if it was in existence prior to June 28, 1961, or was established in conformance with the zoning regulations in effect at the time the use was first established. For the purposes of this chapter, the placement or use of a sign, with or without any other structure or use, is considered a use of land. A lot was lawfully existing or lawfully established if it was of record or shown on a recorded plat prior to June 28, 1961 and was separately owned. Any building, structure, sign or parcel of land, or use thereof, that was not lawfully existing or established at the time of the adoption or amendment of this chapter, is not protected by this article.