What is the purpose of a conditional use permit in zoning?

The purpose of a conditional use permit in zoning is to allow land use that may be incompatible with other uses in the zone. This type of permit is vital in zoning regulations as it provides flexibility within zoning laws to accommodate specific needs or circumstances that may not align perfectly with existing zoning classifications.

For example, a conditional use permit might allow a church to be built in a residential area where such institutions are generally not permitted. The process typically involves a review by zoning authorities, ensuring that the proposed use will not excessively disrupt the surrounding area while still meeting community needs. By granting these permits, local governing bodies can balance the interests of the community with the desires of property owners to utilize their land more broadly.

In contrast, other options refer to functions like creating subdivisions or enforcing specific deed restrictions, which do not capture the essence of what a conditional use permit specifically addresses within zoning regulations. Thus, the correct understanding of a conditional use permit lies in its role of enabling potentially incompatible uses while still allowing local control over land development and use within the community.