Special Use Permit
Under New York Town Law, a "special use permit" is an authorization of a particular land use that is permitted in a zoning ordinance or local law, subject to requirements meant to ensure the use is in harmony with the zoning and does not adversely affect the neighborhood if conditions are met. It is a common NYS local entitlement mechanism for uses allowed "by permit" rather than as-of-right.
- Where it applies
- New York State
- When it comes up
- Entitlement; planning board review (common)
- Property types
- All (outside NYC, depending on municipality)
In practice
Special use permits are frequently "conditioned approvals"; operational conditions (hours, circulation, buffers) can be as material as the initial use authorization.
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.