Category Archives: Property & Land Use

Churches and Nonconforming Use

Two of the most common terms that we hear when working with churches are Conditional Use Permits and Grandfathered in. Although there seems to be a basic understanding of zoning and how it relates to a use being Grandfathered in, most need further explanation as to how it will affect their church in the future as a legal nonconforming use. Zoning: All property has an underlying or specific zone wherein the City or County has set forth in its General Plan for all zones within their jurisdiction. These zones indicate […]

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Conditional Use Permits

Conditional Use Permits As with most things in real estate, especially when dealing with Special Use Property, it all comes down to highest and best use. Both of which have their roots in the zoning ordinances. In other words, what uses are permitted on the property. Sometimes a Special Use property is permitted by right, or “Grandfathered”. Other times, a Conditional Use Permit is required. Although a permit sounds simple enough, don’t let the name fool you. A Conditional Use Permit can be a long and expensive process with no […]

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