Full Definition
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) — also called a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Special Exception in some jurisdictions — is a discretionary land use approval that allows a use that is *potentially* compatible with a zone, but requires case-by-case review to ensure it meets specific conditions.
?
- ? You file for a building permit and build. No public hearing.
- ? You must apply to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) or Planning Commission, typically submit site plan, traffic study, and other materials, wait for a public hearing, and receive approval before you can even apply for a building permit.
? 60–120 days minimum, often 3–6 months in larger p5_counties.
?
- Drive-thru restaurants (in B-2/B-3 Cook County IL)
- Auto dealerships adjacent to residential
- Bars and nightclubs (separation requirements from schools, churches)
- Gas stations in some jurisdictions
- Self-storage facilities
? CUP required = entitlement risk. The approval is not guaranteed, can be appealed by neighbors, and adds timeline. Always factor 3–6 months of CUP process into pro forma hold period assumptions.
?
- ? You file for a building permit and build. No public hearing.
- ? You must apply to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) or Planning Commission, typically submit site plan, traffic study, and other materials, wait for a public hearing, and receive approval before you can even apply for a building permit.
? 60–120 days minimum, often 3–6 months in larger p5_counties.
?
- Drive-thru restaurants (in B-2/B-3 Cook County IL)
- Auto dealerships adjacent to residential
- Bars and nightclubs (separation requirements from schools, churches)
- Gas stations in some jurisdictions
- Self-storage facilities
? CUP required = entitlement risk. The approval is not guaranteed, can be appealed by neighbors, and adds timeline. Always factor 3–6 months of CUP process into pro forma hold period assumptions.
📐 Practical Example
Drive-thru restaurant in B-2 Cook County requires CUP approval + traffic study before building permit.
How This Appears on ByRightHQ Zone Pages
On every zone detail page, ByRightHQ shows Conditional Use Permit (CUP) data sourced directly from the county LDC. Terms like this one are underlined with a dotted line — hover to see the definition.
See C-2 Orange County FL → (example zone page)
Also known as:
conditional use permit · CUP · special use permit · SUP · special exception