Almost every major municipality in the United States places restrictions on how land in certain areas can be used. After all, no one wants to live next to a factory, and office high-rises are out of place in suburban developments. These regulations, known as property zoning laws, allow cities to have some control over how their community develops and which activities take place in any given district.

Types of Property Zoning Designations

In general, most communities designate a district as either commercial, residential, or industrial, with regulations ensuring that new developments in that area are relatively uniform. Of course, each city has different restrictions regarding what types of buildings can be constructed in those areas, the number of rooms allowed, and where utility lines can be placed. In an attempt to preserve a certain historical or aesthetic character, many residential communities have additional regulations that must be observed by those planning new developments or renovating existing properties.

Navigating Property Zoning Requirements

Because zoning laws vary a great deal from one location to the next, even experienced builders often consult a local land development professional when planning a new project, especially large-scale commercial buildings. Without their guidance, a builder could incur substantial fines and penalties in addition to the cost of any changes that might be necessary to make the project compliant with property zoning laws. In extreme cases, the project may have to be abandoned entirely if the city won't grant an exemption, resulting in substantial losses for everyone involved.

The land development experts at Abercrombie & Associates have almost 40 years of experience helping builders throughout the Cincinnati area navigate the complexities of the local property zoning laws. Visit their website now to see their full suite of services, or call (513) 385-5757 to discuss your project with a member of their team today.