Land use and encumbrances
Conditional use permit
Permission for a use the zoning allows only on stated conditions
A church, a school or a hospital in a residential district is the standard example: the ordinance contemplates the use but wants a hearing and conditions before it lands on a particular parcel. The use fits the zone; the permit confirms it fits this lot.
Easily confused with
Also called a special use permit. A nonconforming use is different again — it was lawful before the ordinance changed and is allowed to continue.
How the exam asks about it
Separate it from a variance. A variance excuses an owner from a requirement because compliance would cause hardship; a conditional use permit authorizes a use the ordinance already anticipated.
Quick check: Conditional use permit
One question. Pick an answer to see the explanation.
Which term is being defined: “Permission for a use the zoning allows only on stated conditions”?
Related terms
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