A property owner in a residential-zoned area has operated a small convenience store for 30 years. The city recently rezoned the entire area to be exclusively residential. The store is now considered a 'grandfathered' use. What is the official term for the store's status, and what happens if the owner closes the business for more than 12 consecutive months?
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A
Conditional use; the owner must reapply for a permit to reopen.
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B
Variance; the status is permanent and cannot be revoked.
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C
Nonconforming use; the right to operate the store may be terminated.
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D
Permitted use by exception; the owner can reopen at any time.