Rome Zoning Attorney

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Georgia

The laws controlling how land can and cannot be used in Rome, Georgia are fairly complicated, and can be confusing to laypersons. This should provide a basic overview.

Localities normally divide their jurisdictions into segments, referred to as "zones," on which particular types of use are permitted. For instance, one area of a town might be zoned for residential use, a nearby one for commercial use, and areas on the outskirts zoned for industrial use. This practice is called "zoning."

There are numerous different reasons that cities might engage in zoning - but it is typically designed around making cities more livable, by preventing conflicting uses from clashing with one another. After all, few people would want to live in a house next to a vacant lot, if there is a chance that somebody could decide to build a pig farm next door. The security provided by zoning laws helps maintain property values

Zoning also serves the interests of industry, as well as residents. By ensuring that there are places where heavy industry can take place, well-planned zoning regulations will ensure that industrialists are free to practice their trade, and that residents will not be disturbed by those activities, which makes industry more feasible by helping it prevent costly nuisance lawsuits.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Rome, Georgia

Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Rome, Georgia's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few avenues.

First of all, and most simply, the owner could just fix the violation. If the violation isn't very substantial, and fixing it wouldn't cost very much, this is likely the best and simplest option.

Of course, just fixing a zoning violation isn't always inexpensive or easy, and may interfere with your planned use of your property. For instance, you might have just undertaken a substantial remodeling of your home, and later found out that some small part of it technically doesn't conform to Rome, Georgia's zoning laws. If this happens to you, you can apply to your local zoning board for what's known as a "variance." This is simply a decree by the zoning board that the particular rule your property violates no longer applies. The Supreme Court has held that local zoning boards have to grant variances when the violation is quite minor, and enforcing the ordinance would be unduly burdensome and not in the public interest.

You also have substantial protections if a zoning law changes, and you find that the land you've been living on for years is suddenly in violation of the new law. In general, zoning laws cannot apply to structures and uses which were built or commenced before the law was changed. Under the U.S. Constitution, it's not permissible for state or local governments to pass laws which have retroactive effect. You should know, however, that any future changes you make to your property will have to comply with the new zoning law.

What Can A Rome, Georgia Attorney Do?

If you suddenly become involved in a zoning dispute with your local government, it's imperative to seek competent legal representation. The counsel of an efficient Rome, Georgia real estate attorney can make it much easier for you to act within the law to use your own property as you wish, or at least be as free as possible to make improvements to your land.

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Life in Rome

Rome is a city in Floyd County, Georgia. It is the largest city in, and county seat of, Floyd County. As of the 2000 United States Census, Rome, Georgia has a population of about 34,000 people.

Rome was inhabited by humans for thousands of years before the arrival of European colonists. Europeans first explored the area in the mid-1500s, when Spanish explorers first charted the Southeastern U.S.

The modern city of Rome, Georgia was founded in 1834. The founders of the new city determined its name by drawing lots from names submitted by the other founders. In 1835, the Georgia legislature incorporated Rome as a city. During the Civil War, Rome's industrial capacity made it strategically important, and both sides fought fiercely to control it.

Modernly, Rome is a thriving small city, owing to its diverse economy. It is supported by the manufacturing, high technology, tourism, and healthcare. Rome is also home to Shorter University, a private liberal arts college which consistently brings in new, young residents with disposable income, further boosting the economy.

If you live in Rome, Georgia, and need a competent, experienced attorney to handle any legal issues you might be facing, you're in luck. There are many Rome, Georgia lawyers to choose from, and you should be able to find one who's right for you.

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Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Georgia

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Rome, Georgia