What is a Permitted Use? Zoning Definition

A permitted use, also called an "as-of-right" use, is any activity or type of development that the zoning ordinance explicitly allows in a given zoning district. If your proposed use is listed as permitted, you can proceed with it as long as you meet all other applicable standards such as setbacks, height limits, and parking requirements. No special hearing or discretionary approval from a board is required.

For example, in a typical R-1 (single-family residential) zone, building a single-family home is a permitted use. You would still need to obtain a building permit and comply with dimensional standards, but you would not need to convince a zoning board that the use is appropriate. Similarly, in a commercial zone, opening a retail store is usually a permitted use while a manufacturing facility might not be.

Zoning ordinances typically organize uses into three categories: permitted uses, conditional or special exception uses, and prohibited uses. Permitted uses are the most straightforward path to development because they require only administrative review. This means city staff check your plans for compliance with measurable standards rather than making a judgment call about whether the use is a good fit for the neighborhood.

Before starting any project, review your local zoning map to determine your property's zoning district, then consult the district's use table in the ordinance. If your intended use appears in the "permitted" column, you can move forward with confidence, subject to meeting all dimensional and site design requirements. If it appears as a conditional use or is not listed at all, you will need additional approvals or may need to consider a different location.