What is required to gain permission to use land for a purpose that is prohibited under current zoning restrictions?

To gain permission to use land for a purpose that is prohibited by current zoning restrictions, a Use Variance is required. A Use Variance is specifically designed to allow landowners to deviate from the established zoning regulations to utilize their property for a use that is not permissible under the current zoning ordinance.

The process of obtaining a Use Variance involves demonstrating to the zoning board or appropriate authority that the landowner faces unique hardships that prevent them from making reasonable use of the property under existing zoning laws. Examples of such hardships may include unique physical characteristics of the land or circumstances that create unreasonable limitations.

This differs from other options; for instance, a Special Permit typically allows certain uses that are permissible under zoning laws but may require additional review or conditions. A Building Permit is required for construction and ensures compliance with building codes, and a Zoning Adjustment generally pertains to modifying specific requirements, such as setbacks or height restrictions, rather than altering the land's use entirely.