Land Use & ZoningIntermediateCalifornia Exam

What is a 'nonconforming use'?

AA property owner who refuses to follow building codes, as typically applied by local planning authorities

BA use that was legally established before current zoning regulations but no longer conforms to the current zoningCorrect

CAn illegal use of property in violation of zoning, consistent with standard land use regulation

DA use that requires a special permit, per standard municipal zoning practice

Why A use that was legally established before current zoning regulations but no longer conforms to the current zoning Is Correct

Answer B: A use that was legally established before current zoning regulations but no longer conforms to the current zoning

A nonconforming use (grandfathered use) was legally established before current zoning took effect but does not comply with current requirements. It can generally continue but may not be expanded.

Key Land Use & Zoning Terms in This Question

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

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Key Terms to Know

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

Variance

Official permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

Adverse Possession

A doctrine by which a person can gain legal title to another's land by openly, continuously, and adversely occupying it for a statutory period.