Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

In a legal non-conforming use scenario involving a rural store and gas bar, what factor typically would NOT impact its continuing use?

1. Undertaking substantial renovations or demolition

2. Making no changes and continuing the current use

3. Closing the store and gas bar temporarily

4. Converting the store and gas bar into a micro-brewery and restaurant

5. Expanding the property footprint with new structures

6. Changing the operational business hours

The correct answer is: Making no changes and continuing the current use

In the context of legal non-conforming uses, stability in operations is crucial for maintaining that status. Making no changes and continuing the current use signifies that the rural store and gas bar are adhering to their original purpose without any alterations or disruptions. This continuity is a key aspect of legal non-conforming use, which allows these establishments to operate despite zoning changes that may have occurred since they began their operation. When a business maintains its existing operations without expanding, renovating, closing, or altering its function, it retains its non-conforming status. Any substantial changes, whether in the form of renovations, changing the type of business, or expanding the property, could jeopardize that status by introducing characteristics that may not comply with current zoning laws. Therefore, the aspect of making no changes is particularly significant, as it assures that the business can continue operating under its original rights, unaffected by any zoning modifications that may have occurred.