What action is considered a special exception in zoning regulations?

A special exception in zoning regulations refers to a specific type of permission granted by a zoning board or authority that allows for a use of land that differs from the standard zoning requirements but is deemed acceptable under certain conditions. Temporary use permits, which allow for short-term activities that would not normally be allowed under current zoning laws, are a prime example of this. They typically require adherence to specific conditions to ensure that the temporary use does not negatively impact the surrounding area.

New construction, change in land use, and selling property fall under standard zoning regulations and processes rather than being categorized as special exceptions. New construction typically must conform to existing zoning laws, while changes in land use often require a zoning amendment or a special permit rather than a special exception. Selling property is a transactional action and does not inherently involve zoning regulations or exceptions. Thus, temporary use permits exemplify a special exception because they permit specific short-term uses, balancing flexibility in land use with the need to protect neighborhood characteristics.