If you are a current real estate owner, or you are looking to purchase real estate for yourself or your business, you are likely to deal with zoning ordinances at some point. These laws can often be difficult to grasp, but they are essential for knowing the rights and restrictions you face when you are looking to develop or renovate your property. Here is what you need to know about zoning laws as a real estate owner:
- Zoning laws can restrict how you use your property
- Some of the most common zoning regulations you are likely to encounter will significantly impact how you can use or develop your property. For example, it is common for properties to be zoned specifically for residential, commercial, or industrial use, dictating what types of buildings can be built on the land. They can also get more specific, such as permitting only multi-family or single-family dwellings.
- Zoning laws can impose restrictions on renovations
- In addition to restricting how you can use your property, certain zoning regulations can also impact any renovations you may have planned. This can include restrictions on things like how high you can build, or how close to the property line you can get. This, in turn, can have significant effects on whether or not your plans for your property are legally viable.
- Zoning laws can impose environmental requirements
- Some zoning laws will impose restrictions that require you to avoid unnecessary damage to the local environment. This can become especially complex if your property borders environmentally sensitive areas, like rivers, parks, or estuaries. In some cases, certain types of development or renovation may become difficult without facing penalties for environmental violations.
- Zoning laws can vary significantly between municipalities
- Every town, village, and city has its own zoning laws, in addition to potentially relevant state and federal legislation that regulates real estate. This means that the laws around real estate development can vary wildly from location to location. You need to make sure to check local laws to make sure you avoid potential legal issues wherever you choose to purchase or develop real estate.
- You can face significant legal problems for violating zoning regulations
- People who fail to take appropriate measures to ensure they are in compliance with zoning laws can face significant legal and financial issues. They may face fines, litigation, or could have their construction projects stalled or cancelled outright. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling real estate law, who can help you navigate these kinds of complex legal issues.
At David J. Lorber & Associates, PLLC, we assist clients throughout New York who are looking to buy or sell real estate. We will guide you through the process and help you minimize your legal and financial risks. Call us at (631) 750-0900 or contact us online to schedule your Free consultation at our Setauket office.
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