[SierraPilot123]

I request Special VFR with tower before takeoff because there is scattered cloud layer at 900 ft AGL and clearly in the way of the traffic pattern which I plan to fly for touch and go's.

Tower responds, "Field is VFR, cleared for takeoff." I know it is VFR but there are clouds in the way of the pattern.

So I take off from a field elev of 400 ft and start climbing to a target TPA of 1,400 ft. It is obvious that the scattered clouds are going to a problem since they are at 900 ft and all over the place.

I again request Special VFR so that I don't have to break my 500 ft. below cloud clearence. Tower responds, "Unable, I have other planes in the pattern."

So I end up departing the pattern and climbing through a large hole to get on top of the disappating low clouds and head to another airport for pattern work.

QUESTIONS:

1. How are other A/C legally flying the pattern while maintaining 500 ft below the clouds, putting them at 400 ft AGL? Don't you need to be at TPA and a safe altitude?

2. What was the logic behind this controller not allowing me special VFR?

3. What should I do differently next time?

Thanks for your help