Special Permit
A special permit is a discretionary approval that allows a use or bulk modification under specified conditions and findings, as set out in the applicable zoning framework. In NYC, special permits can fall under CPC jurisdiction or, for certain categories, the Board of Standards and Appeals, with rules addressing filing and community review for BSA matters.
- Where it applies
- NYC (and "special use permits" under NYS local law)
- When it comes up
- Entitlement; public review; conditions of approval
- Property types
- All; particularly mixed-use and special-program projects
In practice
Special permits are governance-heavy: conditions and safeguards often become ongoing operational constraints and should be translated into compliance checklists post-approval.
Read more in the Knowledge Base
Related terms
Zoning and Land Use
- Air Rights
- Area Variance
- As-of-right Development
- Authorization
- Base Height
- Base Plane
- Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)
- Building Envelope
- Bulk
- Certification
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.