What is meant by the term non conforming rights?

Non-conforming rights refer to legal protections granted to existing land uses or structures that do not comply with current zoning laws or regulations. These rights allow properties to continue operating as they have in the past, even if they no longer meet the current zoning requirements. This concept is often applied to preserve established businesses or residences that may be impacted by new zoning changes, providing them with a degree of security and stability despite the evolving regulatory environment.