Journey Through Real Estate Law

Zoning regulations affect how property can be used. If you would like to use your property in a manner that is contrary to what your property is allowed to be used for, such as if you intend to use a residential property for commercial purposes, you may need to consult with a real estate lawyer.

How Zoning Regulations Work

Local zoning authorities are responsible for separating land for use based on the county or municipality. If you will be constructing a building for a particular purpose, you must make sure that the land is ideal for that purpose. You will also need to understand how the land is zoned.

This can be complicated and you will usually want to consult with a real estate attorney for help. For example, trying to open up a storefront in a location that is considered to be residential can be expensive if you are not allowed to operate your business. Even if your business experiences delays, this can be expensive.

Other Restrictions

In addition to restricting how buildings are used, a building can be restricted in other ways. For example, you might be restricted on how tall your building can be. If you are concerned about whether your building is in compliance with regulations or not, it's essential to consult with a lawyer.

Grandfathering Your Property

In some cases, you may be able to continue to use your property as a commercial property, even if it is in a residential zone, if your property has been grandfathered in.

How to Obtain Special Permission

In some cases, you might want to obtain special permission so you can use the building in a manner that is not normally allowed in that particular zone. If you will be doing this, you must prove that your building will not adversely impact your neighbors and that you would experience hardship if you were not able to use the property as intended.

However, to be able to have your land variance approved, you will need to write a detailed proposal that explains how your property will be used. You must also provide supporting documents. The governing agency will review the proposal you have submitted and will accept it or deny it on a case-by-case basis. An attorney can help you with each step of the process and can also help you avoid costly delays so you can get back to business.

For more information, reach out to a real estate attorney near you.