One area of property law that trips up owners and investors is zoning. Not only do zoning laws determine the areas that can be used for buildings and activities, but the requirements frequently change, which, at its worst, means your property has an expiration date. Property law attorney Stuart R Norman Jr in Griswold, CT, explains how zoning laws can affect you and what your options are likely to be.

Types of Zones

Depending on the law in your area, a zone may be designated for commercial, industrial, residential, or agricultural use. Any construction will have to comply with the established rules for that property in your area. However, zoning laws often allow for exceptions.

Variances

Some zoning requirements are impossible to meet given the size or shape of your lot. In these cases, the requirements may be waived upon application for a variance. However, this type of exception is intended only to be used in hardship cases—you will not be granted a variance if the plan for your land conflicts with the intentions of the zoning agreement.

Conditional Use

Frequently, it’s possible to use property for other purposes as long as you meet certain legal conditions. These often begin with an application to a zoning board and may place constraints on your building or business, such as requirements to provide parking. These conditions are designed to allow some flexibility in zoning decisions without negatively impacting the surrounding properties.

Nonconforming Use

Because zoning laws change, you may suddenly find your existing property in conflict with the laws. Either the structure itself or the purpose for which you are using it may be considered nonconforming use. While you may not be required to make changes in every case, you won’t be able to rebuild a damaged structure or reopen a closed business on the property, and you may even be given a deadline to conform with new zoning laws, even if it requires the demolition of your structure.

If you find yourself in conflict with your local zoning laws, a property law attorney can help you assess your options. For help, call the office of Stuart R Norman Jr at (860) 376-0069 today, or visit him online.