What is the key difference between "permitted use" and "conditional use" in zoning laws?

The distinction between "permitted use" and "conditional use" in zoning laws lies primarily in the nature of approval and restrictions associated with each type of use. A permitted use is a classification of land use that is allowed outright within a specific zoning district without the need for any special permissions or additional review processes. This means that if a property falls under a certain zoning category that allows for particular types of uses, those uses can proceed without needing to demonstrate adherence to additional standards or obtain special approvals.

In contrast, conditional use permits may be granted but require adherence to specific criteria and often involve a public hearing process. This means that conditional uses are not automatically available and may come with conditions or stipulations that must be met for the use to be approved, making the process more complex.

Therefore, recognizing that permitted uses are allowed outright without needing further approvals forms the basis of understanding zoning classifications.