Special Use Permit: While Under Contract?

[Shawn Burns]

Hi All,

I am hoping to get your insight about a special use permit from a buyers agents perspective. 

Me and a buyer are looking at a commercial property in CT (Stonington to be exact) and he is speculating about converting the top floors into residential units. The zone of the property requires approval of a special use permit to make the change.

I've been reading up on the special use permit process in Stonington but the question I have is: Are we allowed to do the process prior to closing (with the seller's agreement, of course)? And is it appropriate to have a purchase and sale contract contingent upon a special use permit getting approved?

Thanks for the help!

Shawn Burns