If a church, school, or hospital wishes to relocate to an area zoned exclusively for residential use, what permit do they require?

The correct answer is a Conditional Use Permit. This type of permit is necessary for certain types of land uses that are not permitted by right in a zoning district but may be allowed under specific circumstances or conditions. Churches, schools, and hospitals often fall into this category when they seek to establish themselves in areas designated for residential use.

A Conditional Use Permit allows local authorities to evaluate the proposed use and its potential impact on the surrounding community. It typically requires a review process, and public hearings may be conducted to gather input from the community. This process ensures that the new use aligns with the overall goals of the zoning ordinance and the community's best interests.

On the other hand, a Special Use Permit is often a term used interchangeably with Conditional Use Permit in some jurisdictions but may sometimes refer to more specific regulations. The Occupancy Permit is related to the authorization to occupy a building after it has been constructed or altered, while a Non-Compliance Permit is not a standard term used in zoning practices. Thus, for the specific situation of relocating a church, school, or hospital to a residentially zoned area, the Conditional Use Permit is the appropriate requirement.