Land Use & Zoning

A special exception (special use permit) differs from a variance in that a special exception:

AIs granted permanently while a variance is temporary
BAuthorizes a use already contemplated in the zoning ordinance under specific conditions✓ Correct
CRequires a legislative act by the city council
DCompletely overrides the zoning ordinance

Explanation

A special exception/use permit allows uses that the zoning ordinance already recognizes as potentially appropriate in the zone, subject to meeting specific conditions. A variance, by contrast, allows deviation from dimensional or use requirements.

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