City of Venice · Special Exception
Special Exception & Conditional Use in City of Venice
For the uses the code allows — but only with approval. Here's how it works in City of Venice — and how we manage it end to end.
Special Exception in City of Venice
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A special exception (called a conditional use in many codes) is a use the zoning district permits only with specific, discretionary approval — because of its traffic, intensity, or neighborhood impact. It's granted at a public hearing, usually with conditions attached.
The terminology is local: some Florida jurisdictions say 'special exception,' others say 'conditional use.' The discretionary test and the hearing process are the same, and we handle both — often surfaced during zoning due diligence before you even buy.
How it works in City of Venice
Decided by: Planning Commission (final; affordable-housing density-bonus variant adds City Council)
Typical timeline: single Planning Commission hearing (density-bonus adds a Council hearing)
Controlling code: Land Development Regulations (Code Ch. 87)
Venice calls this a Conditional Use under LDR §1.8 — not 'special exception.' A standard Conditional Use is decided by the Planning Commission at a single hearing; the affordable-housing density-bonus variant (§1.8.4) adds a City Council hearing.
Like every petition it runs through Technical Review Committee review and the 30–45 day advertising window, and a neighborhood workshop may be required.
We confirm whether your use needs a Conditional Use, prepare the §1.8 application and site plan, and represent it at the hearing.
How we manage it
- →Determine whether your use needs a special-exception or [conditional-use approval](/services/conditional-use-approvals)
- →Prepare the application and any supporting studies
- →Negotiate and document workable conditions
- →Represent the request through staff review and the public hearing
Frequently asked questions
- Special exception vs. conditional use — what's the difference?
- Mostly terminology. Different Florida codes use different names for the same thing: a use allowed in the district only with discretionary approval. We handle it under whatever name your jurisdiction uses.
Planning a project in City of Venice?
Tell us about your project. We reply within one business day — and we’ll tell you straight whether we’re the right fit.