Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Taunton, Massachusetts
The laws that regulate how land can be used, and what structures can be built on individual pieces of land in Taunton, Massachusetts can sometimes be a bit complicated. This article will not make its reader an expert, but should serve as a good introduction to the subject.
Local governments will usually divide the city or town into sections, called "zones," each of which is designated for a particular use, such as residential homes, commercial businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, etc. This process is known as "zoning."
Local governments have many different reasons for enacting zoning laws, ranging from ensuring that residential areas are peaceful and quiet, to protecting property values. For example, most people wouldn't buy a home in a neighborhood where they knew it was possible for a neighbor to turn their house into a factory.
While zoning laws appear to be geared just toward protecting residents, they also protect industry, by ensuring that they are free to conduct their business without getting caught up in the many legal disputes that would be inevitable if they were closer to a residential area.
What if My Property Violates Taunton, Massachusetts's Zoning Laws?
If something on your property is in violation of a Taunton, Massachusetts zoning law, the landowner has several options.
It should be clear, however, that the ideal solution is to simply fix any condition on your property which is in violation of a local zoning law. If the violation is not serious, and correcting it won't significantly interfere with your use of your property, this is probably the best course of action.
However, it isn't always practical or affordable to correct a minor violation of a zoning law. For example, suppose you have just spent a large amount of money and effort remodeling a house to turn it into your dream home. You thought you were in total compliance with local zoning laws when you did this, but find out that there is some small, technical violation of Taunton, Massachusetts's zoning laws. In these cases, you have recourse in the form of a variance. You are entitled to petition the local zoning board to grant you a variance, which is an official decision not to apply a particular provision of a zoning law to a single violation. These aren't always granted, but generally have to be granted if the violation doesn't interfere with anyone else's use of their property, and doesn't thwart the purposes of local zoning laws.
Further, if you have been living on your property for a long time, and made improvements on it that complied with the zoning laws in effect at the time, a new zoning law that would be violated by your current use of your property, the new law cannot be enforced against you. The U.S. Constitution bars the passage of "ex post facto," or retroactive, laws. Once the laws take effect, however, you'll have to comply with the new zoning laws with respect to any new improvements you want to make on your property.
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How Can a Taunton, Massachusetts Attorney Help?
If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's important to have good legal advice. A good Taunton, Massachusetts attorney will help you work within the law to ensure that you are as free as possible to make the use of your land that you want.
There are 45 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Taunton
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Life in Taunton
Founded in the year 1637, Taunton is one of the oldest cities in the entire U.S. It is the county seat of Bristol County, Massachusetts. The city boasts a rich legacy in industrial history. It has traditionally been known as "The Silver City" after its local silversmith operations.Taunton still maintains its reputation as the producer of some of the world's finest silver products. A Taunton company recently produced the medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics as well as exclusive silverware for the White House. In addition to silver products, Taunton's economy emphasizes semiconductor, electronics, and silicon manufacturing.
Visitors to Taunton can stop by the Silver City Galleria, which is a large shopping center located conveniently near neighboring cities. A popular destination in Taunton is the Taunton Green Historic District. Each December the city of Taunton provides an elaborate light display at Taunton Green. As a result, Taunton has also earned the nickname of "The Christmas City".
Lawyers in Taunton, Massachusetts will usually process legal claims at the Taunton District Court. The district court is authorized to adjudicate a wide array of civil and criminal claims, including felony cases. Taunton lawyers are ready to provide you with professional assistance and advice.
