Special Use and “Grandfathering”

Many residents, realizing the new Zoning Ordinance will take away some of their property rights, have questioned the Village. They are often told not to worry, that their use will be “grandfathered” or that they can apply for a “Special Use Permit”.

Of course, Special Use Permit applications can be denied. But even if you get one, or the Village “grandfathers” your use and doesn’t enforce against you, a subsequent owner won’t get that consideration.

Perhaps you have a couple of horses, a horse barn, a paddock and small outdoor arena. You’ve invested six figures and it is awesome. What about your buyer a few years down the road? Will they love your improvements and kill the deal when they discover they can’t keep them? Will they reduce their offer AND ask you to remove them?

Don’t be fooled. Special Use is exactly what it sounds like.

Stop Micromanaging Residents!