Zoning ordinances and regulations are laws that define and restrict how you can use your property.

Use requirements refer to how property can be used. Typical zonings categories include:

Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agricultural
Recreational
 

Cities, counties, townships and other local governments adopt zoning plans in order to set development standards to assure that land is used for the common good. Zoning laws come into play on every single real estate development, regardless of how big or small. So if you are thinking about buying property or making improvements to property you already own, you’d better be sure you understand the zoning restrictions before you commit to anything.

Getting the zoning changed on property is a very difficult process. It requires a process of giving public notice and then having a variance approved by government agencies that oversee enforcement of the zoning plan. Opposition to zoning changes by neighbors and other interested parties can be fierce. You can find out how property is zoned by calling your local planning department. They can also explain what you would need to do to get a variance.

Before getting too involved in a zoning issue, it would no doubt be in your best interests to contact us to help you through the process.