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55 maintenance, or improvement, but not including expansion, unless [certain conditions apply]." Other than this language, there is no specific definition of nonconformity under this chapter. 7.2 Saint Anthony Zoning Code: Nonconforming Uses The City Zoning Code permits nonconforming uses to continue until they are removed. See City Code § 152.225. The Zoning Code specifically states that it does not encourage the survival, enlargement, expansion, or extension of nonconforming uses. See id. "Nonconforming use" is defined within section 152.003 as "Any building, structure, or use lawfully existing on 8- 2-1976 and continuing to lawfully exist to the date of adoption of this zoning code." 7.3 Nonconforming Use Analysis Because both Minnesota state law and the City Zoning Code allow for continuing legal nonconforming use of property, any lawful use that currently exists that will be non-compliant under an amended version of the Zoning Code may continue to exist (with certain conditions and restrictions as stated above and within the applicable laws) as a nonconforming use. 8.0 CONCL USION Tlie current language within the Zoning Code does not clearly establish what types of assembly may exist within the commercial and light industrial zoning districts. However, the City has specific intents and purposes for all of its zoning districts, and assembly use should support these goals. Specifically, the light industrial zoning district is a district that is exclusively focused on promoting economic growth and development for industry. The commercial zoning district has similar economic goals for business and commerce. Overall, the City intends to provide zoning districts in a manner that results in efficient land use, allowing for the cultural and community needs of the public within the residential zoning districts while encouraging the economic growth of jobs, business, and industry within the non-residential zoning districts. These objectives can be enhanced by adding further clarity regarding places of assembly. This Study recommends that the City Council amend the Zoning Code in a manner that balances the City's economic development and job growth interests with the interests of groups in establishing places of secular and religious assembly. This will be done most effectively by: 1) Allowing all types of assemblies—religious and non-religious—to exist within the commercial zoning district; 2) Excluding all types of assemblies—religious and non-religious—from the light industrial zoning district; and 3) Clarifying the definition of "assembly" to include both religious and non -religious assemblies. -25- S'1'UDY OI'ASSIj.M13LIL$,NELTING LODGES, AND CONVENTION Ii ALES CITY OF SAIN 1ANTHONY VILLAGE