Opinion

Triangle Fraternity v. City of Norman, Ex Rel. Norman Board of Adjustment

  • 73 O.B.A.J. 2914
  • 63 P.3d 1
  • 2002 OK 80
  • 2002 Okla. LEXIS 81
  • 2002 WL 31357266
Court
Supreme Court of Oklahoma
Filed
Oct 15, 2002
Status
Published
Author
Opala
On the bench
Kauger, Hargrave, Watt, Hodges, Summers, Boudreau, Winchester, Opala, Lavender
Cited by
10 cases
Authority
More cited than 11.3%

The opinion

OPALA, J.,

concurring.

¶ 1 The proof adduced at nisi prius supports the court’s conclusion that Triangle Fraternity’s use of the premises will be substantially the same as that of its predecessor. The trial court’s finding against Triangle Fraternity is clearly contrary to the weight of the evidence.

¶ 2 The right to continue a preexisting, nonconforming use is ascribed (affixed) to the soil and hence accrues to all succeeding owners. Schultz v. Zoning Bd. of Appeals, 144 Conn. 332, 338 , 130 A.2d 789, 791 (1957). A “mere change in ownership does not destroy the [right to enjoy the] preexisting nonconforming use.” Harmel Corp. v. Members of the Zoning Bd. of Review, 603 A.2d 303, 306 (R.I.1992). See also Carbone v. Vigliotti, 222 Conn. 216 , 610 A.2d 565 (1992); Urban v. Planning Bd., 124 N.J. 651 , 592 A.2d 240 (1991); Town of Covent'ry v. Glideman, 429 A.2d 440 (R.I.1981); Watts v. City of Helena, 151 Mont. 138 , 439 P.2d 767 (1968); Jackson v. Pottstown Zoning Bd., 426 Pa. 534 , 233 A.2d 252 (Pa.1967).

*9 ¶ 3 I hence concur in the court’s pronouncement.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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