Municipal / Zoning Law

What is municipal law?
Municipal law relates to the ordinances and other laws that apply in a city, town, or other governmental entity.

What is zoning law?
Zoning laws typically specify the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. Zoning is the way governments control the physical development of land and the kinds of uses to which each individual property may be put.

Is there a way to avoid zoning restrictions?
Most communities allow you to apply for a variance if you wish to make a minor change to your property that would violate zoning restrictions. A variance is permission from the governing body to deviate from the zoning laws.

Do I need a lawyer for a variance or rezoning change?
If the variance or rezoning change is uncomplicated and does not negatively affect neighbors, you may not need a lawyer. However, an attorney at Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP can work out zoning issues and make recommendations in advance, help prepare your presentation before the zoning board, or advise you on the best means to comply with any special conditions. Experience is critical, so contact us today.

How do zoning codes affect my property rights?
Zoning laws vary among communities. While some municipalities mandate few if any zoning restrictions, others enforce very strict zoning laws, controlling such items as the maximum size of a dog house and the height of a fence. If you are planning to build any sort of addition or new structure, check with your local building department about zoning restrictions on your property.

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