Municipalities have complicated rules and procedures regarding land use and zoning. Specific use permits (also known as conditional use permits) are a mechanism that cities use to allow conditional uses under special circumstances. In many municipalities, SUPs are often required for batch plants, the sale or manufacture of alcohol, schools, dance halls, metal salvage, cell towers, transportation, industrial facilities, and other uses. 

Acquiring a specific use permit requires much analysis and may involve cooperation and interaction with a local zoning board. Many people are surprised to learn that a SUP is not issued over-the-counter. In most cities, it’s the same or similar process required for a zoning change.  

SUPs often have a time limit associated with them and have to be renewed from time to time.

Any time there is a public hearing involved, the experience can be technical, political and complex. Rely on Masterplan’s consultants to help you—we’ve obtained nearly 1,000 SUPs for property owners since 1981.