Which process allows a property to continue its use despite zoning restrictions?

The process that allows a property to continue its use despite zoning restrictions is known as a nonconforming use. This occurs when a property was being used for a particular purpose before the enactment of new zoning laws that restrict that use. Essentially, nonconforming use recognizes the existing use that predates the current zoning regulations, allowing the property owner to continue utilizing the property in the same way despite the change in zoning.

Nonconforming use is typically subject to certain limitations, such as not allowing significant alterations or expansions of the property that would further deviate from current zoning laws. This mechanism serves to provide some level of stability to property owners, as it prevents them from being forced to abruptly change their business practices or property usage solely due to new regulations.

In contrast, conforming use aligns with current zoning regulations and is permissible under the established zoning plan. Conditional use refers to scenarios where a property may be used in a manner not typically allowed by zoning laws, but only under specific conditions and often requiring special permission from zoning boards. Permitted use denotes those uses that are explicitly allowed under existing zoning ordinances.