The purpose of a basic use permit is to ensure compliance with the land development regulations (LDRs) for uses that are compatible with the zone in which they are proposed.
The purpose of a conditional use permit is to individually and publicly review the configuration, density, and intensity of a use that is generally compatible with the character of a zone, but requires additional, site-specific conditions to limit and mitigate effects that may be adverse to the desired character of the zone.
The purpose of a special use permit is to individually and publicly review the configuration, density, and intensity of a use that is inherently incompatible with the character of all zones, but essential to the community and therefore some provision must be made for its existence and operation. Special uses require additional, site-specific conditions to limit and mitigate effects that may be adverse to the desired character of the zone.