What conditional use approvals or variances may still be required post-rezoning?

Even after successful rezoning, a land parcel is not always free for immediate development. Depending on the zoning regulations, site characteristics, and proposed activities, you may still need to secure conditional use approvals or variances to proceed legally and in compliance with planning laws.

Below are the main categories where such post-rezoning entitlements may apply:

1. Conditional Use Approvals (Special Use Permits)

• Required when the proposed use is allowed under the new zoning, only with planning authority review and conditions.
  
• Common for:
  
  • Warehousing in zones that primarily support manufacturing
    
  • Hazardous or high-impact activities in industrial zones
    
  • Ancillary uses like canteens, service stations, or commercial kiosks
    
• Approval may require public notice, neighborhood review, and specific operational conditions (e.g., restricted hours, pollution controls).

2. Setback and Height Variances

• If your project design does not comply with minimum setbacks or height limits, a variance is required.
  
• Justifications include:
  
  • Unique plot shape or size
    
  • Site grading limitations
    
  • Pre-existing development patterns
    
• Requires formal application and zoning board of appeals approval, often subject to site impact studies.

3. Parking and Circulation Variances

• Needed if your layout cannot meet:
  
  • Required number of parking spaces
    
  • Turning radius for heavy vehicles
    
  • Internal road widths
    
• Especially relevant in tight plots or converted land near urban cores.

4. Landscape and Green Buffer Waivers

• In many zones, regulations mandate:
  
  • Green belts or tree coverage
    
  • Buffer zones from sensitive neighbors
    
• If not feasible due to space or design, you may seek a landscape variance or pay a compensatory fee to the authority.

5. Signage, Access, and Utility Deviations

• If your design involves:
  
  • Larger-than-allowed signage
    
  • Non-standard access points
    
  • Use of temporary utilities before the final infrastructure
    

You may require conditional permits or temporary waivers, valid for a limited term or subject to follow-up inspections.