Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of properties granted a 'grandfather clause'?

Properties granted a 'grandfather clause' are those that were legally established prior to any zoning changes. This means that while they may not comply with current zoning laws due to subsequent regulations, they are allowed to continue operating under the conditions that existed before those changes.

Option A states that they comply with current zoning laws, which contradicts the fundamental nature of a grandfather clause. Properties protected by such a clause are often non-conforming uses because they were legally in place before the new zoning regulations were enacted.

The other characteristics—legal establishment prior to zoning changes, exemption from new zoning regulations, and restrictions on expansion—accurately describe properties covered by a grandfather clause. These properties can continue their existing use but may not expand without special permission, emphasizing the limited nature of their rights under the new zoning rules.