Which term describes a use that does not conform to current zoning, usually created by a change in zoning?

• A. Nonconforming use
• B. Grandfathering
• C. Legal nonconforming use
• D. Special use / public zoning

Answer: (A)

When zoning changes, a use that no longer complies with the new rules is called a nonconforming use. This happens because the property was lawfully in use before the zoning update, but the updated zoning no longer permits that use. The original use is allowed to continue, but typically it can’t be expanded or rebuilt to worsen the nonconformity, and many jurisdictions set limits on how long it can continue or require it to eventually conform if it is damaged or altered beyond a certain point.

Grandfathering is a common way people describe this idea, but the formal term used is nonconforming use. A more specific label, legal nonconforming use, refers to uses that were legal at the time of the zoning change, but the general concept in many exams is captured by nonconforming use. The option about special use or public zoning describes a different concept—a permitted use allowed under certain conditions rather than one that no longer fits the current zoning.