What happens to a movie theater built before a neighborhood is zoned entirely residential?

In scenarios where a movie theater was established prior to the neighborhood being designated for entirely residential zoning, the theater is typically allowed to continue its operations. This situation falls under the concept of "grandfathering," which permits pre-existing businesses that do not conform to the new zoning laws to continue functioning without being subject to immediate closure or compliance with new regulations.

When a neighborhood is rezoned, it often affects new businesses and developments, but existing establishments like the theater can remain operational, as long as they were legally established prior to the zoning change. This is important to maintain stability for existing businesses and allow them to continue serving their community while adjustments are made to the surrounding area.

The other choices suggest immediate closure, mandatory conversion to residential use, or restrictions on operating hours, which are typically not imposed on businesses that existed before the zoning change. Grandfathering protects these businesses from sudden disruption due to regulatory changes, allowing them to continue providing their services while the neighborhood changes over time.