Navigating zoning, permitting, and land use regulations can be one of the most complex parts of any real estate project. Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or investor, our team is here to guide you through the legal landscape. We provide strategic counsel and representation before municipal boards and regulatory agencies to help secure approvals and resolve disputes. Our services include:
Zoning & Permitting
Zoning and permitting issues can be some of the most complex aspects of a real estate transaction. Whether you’re an individual homeowner or a developer, we are here to help you navigate municipal boards and regulatory agencies to help secure the necessary approvals for real estate projects, including:
- Petitions for Special Permits and Variances:
- Special Permits & Variances: Landowners need special permits or variances from local bylaws or ordinances to use or develop their property under specific conditions. We have the experience working with clients, developers, and permit granting authorities (municipalities) to ensure landowners file the most comprehensive petition to provide the best chances for relief to be granted by the Town Boards.
- Pre-existing Nonconforming Uses and Structures: Pre-existing nonconforming uses and structures, often referred to as “grandfathered” uses, are land uses or buildings that were legally established according to the zoning regulations in place at the time but no longer comply with current zoning laws. While they are generally allowed to continue operating, they are subject to limitations on expansion, reconstruction, or change in use. These situations often arise after zoning changes and can raise complex legal issues related to property rights, development restrictions, and municipal enforcement.
- Land Use: Most all land has a designated purpose for which a parcel of land may be used, as defined by local zoning ordinances. Common land use categories include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and mixed-use. Zoning regulations control the types of activities allowed on a property, building heights, density, setbacks, and other factors to ensure orderly development and compatibility within communities.
- Chapter 40A Appeals: We represent clients in zoning disputes and appeals, working diligently to ensure compliance with local zoning laws and advocating for your rights throughout the process.
Land Court Matters
When title defects or landowner disputes require more specialized attention, we provide skilled legal representation in Land Court, including:
- Title Defects/Clarification of Title: We assist clients in resolving issues with property titles.
- Landowner Disputes: Whether it’s a dispute over property boundaries, easements, or other issues, we’re here to help resolve conflicts and protect your property rights.
Easement Matters
Easement disputes can be frustrating and create obstacles in real estate deals. Our team is skilled in identifying and addressing easement problems to prevent delays or complications, ensuring smooth property transfers and development projects.
- Creation of Easement Rights
- Extinguishment of Easement Rights
Environment Matters
Environmental concerns can complicate real estate transactions, but our team is here to guide you through the maze of state and federal environmental regulations:
- Environmental Compliance: We help you understand and comply with environmental assessments, remediation obligations, and other regulations that might impact your property’s use or sale ensuring your transaction proceeds smoothly.
