To the extent that the provisions of this chapter are the same in substance as the previously adopted provisions that they replace in the City’s subdivision ordinances, they shall be considered as continuations thereof and not as new enactments unless otherwise specifically provided. In particular, any activity that did not constitute a lawful activity under the previously adopted subdivision ordinance does not achieve lawful nonconforming status under this title merely by the repeal of the prior subdivision ordinance. [Code 1979 § 16.01.030.]