Land use and zoning laws allow communities to control what takes place in certain areas and determine who has the right to use a particular property. While they’re designed to protect property owners’ rights, real estate and zoning regulations often cause complex, expensive legal disputes with neighboring landowners and government agencies. In these circumstances, a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the system and help achieve the best possible solution.

How Attorneys Are Valuable in Land Use & Zoning Disputes

1. They’re Well-Versed in Zoning Laws

Zoning regulations are typically put in place to protect property values, preserve a neighborhood’s character, and limit where certain activities can take place. For instance, most municipalities wouldn’t allow a new industrial facility to be built in a quiet residential neighborhood or permit a modern condo development in a historic district. In many cities, zoning laws also limit the height of new buildings or the number of lots that can be combined in a development. 

2. They Understand How Zoning Affects Landowners

Some of the most common real estate and zoning law disputes involve government agencies whose decisions adversely affect property owners. In extreme cases, landowners may claim that a regulation essentially amounts to a “taking” of their property if it makes their land useless.

Adverse possession principles are also common disputes in which one party encroaches on someone else’s property, claiming it as their own.

3. They’re Able to Challenge Zoning Laws

While some real estate and zoning disputes must be settled in court, you may also get the entire regulation amended, especially if you can show that the character of the neighborhood has changed. In other cases, the zoning agency may grant you a variance, giving you special permission to violate local law. However, these processes are often very complex, requiring the expertise of an attorney who can review your case and recommend the best path forward.

If you’re involved in a dispute with a municipal agency or neighboring property owner, turn to the attorneys at Ibold & O'Brien for outstanding legal support and effective counsel. They’ve been serving residents of Ohio’s Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga counties for nearly 40 years, establishing a track record of success in even the most difficult cases. Visit their website for more on their real estate and zoning services or call (440) 285-3511 to schedule your initial consultation today.