What are the most common types of land use permits?

In Virginia, land use permits are issued by local governments and their zoning boards. These permits are necessary to allow certain land use activities, such as construction or development, that are not typically allowed by general zoning ordinances. The most common types of land use permits in Virginia are special use permits, variance permits, and conditional use permits. A special use permit allows the property owner to use the land for activities that are not typically allowed under the zoning ordinance, such as opening a business or building a structure that does not meet the zoning requirements. These permits are issued at the discretion of the zoning board and are based on conditions that they set. A variance permit is similar to a special use permit, but it is issued when the property owner wants to make a change to the zoning regulations or request a waiver from the zoning regulations. This type of permit is used to grant exceptions to zoning regulations for activities such as a home business, an accessory structure, or a larger structure than is allowed by the zoning ordinance. Finally, a conditional use permit is issued when a property owner wants to use the land for a use that is allowed under the zoning ordinance but requires special conditions. These permits are typically issued when the use of the land could have a negative effect on the surrounding area, such as noise or traffic, or when the activity could pose a public safety risk. In order to obtain this type of permit, the zoning board must approve the conditions set by the property owner.

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