What type of permit is most likely required for a landowner wishing to build a grocery store in an area zoned for residential use?

A conditional use permit is typically required when a landowner wants to undertake a project that is not ideally suited for the current zoning designation—in this case, building a grocery store in an area zoned for residential use. Zoning laws exist to maintain the character of neighborhoods, and a grocery store would significantly alter the use of the property in a way that is not usually allowed under residential zoning.

The conditional use permit serves as a way to allow certain exceptions to zoning regulations while still allowing the municipality to impose specific conditions to mitigate potential impacts on the surrounding area. This process often includes public hearings and requires the landowner to demonstrate that the proposed grocery store would not negatively impact the residential community.

Other options such as a building permit, business license, or special exemption are not suitable in this scenario. A building permit is usually obtained after all zoning requirements are satisfied, a business license is generally a separate requirement for operating a business but does not address zoning compliance, and a special exemption would apply in different contexts where property owners seek relief from certain zoning restrictions under specific circumstances.