Kearns Duffy & Vaccaro, P.C.

Zoning & Land Use

What is Zoning?

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Zoning is the method by which governments control the physical development of land and the allowable "uses" to which each individual property may be put. Zoning laws will typically ​specify the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place.

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Besides restricting the uses that can be made of certain pieces of land and buildings, zoning laws also may regulate the dimensional requirements for lots, the density of the development, and whether an individual may have certain types of animals on the property. Some zoning ordinances also regulate the extraction of natural resources from land within the area zoned, others will provide the land for hospitals, churches, schools, parks, historic landmarks and open space. 

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Zoning regulations are derived from counties, cities, townships, and municipalities. Although generally speaking zoning laws are universal, the classifications used to describe zoning and not uniform from place to place. Additionally, neighboring localities may have entirely different zoning codes. For instance, it is not uncommon to find that zoning rules that apply to one part of the community are different in another part of town, or that one town does a mix of residential uses with some commercial uses but another town may outlaw such a mix.

 

In order to navigate the complex world of zoning and land use, contact Kearns Duffy & Vaccaro. We have a great deal of experience in helping our clients achieve their goals in a timely and cost-efficient manner.