Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Waterford, Michigan
The laws that regulate how land can be used, and what structures can be built on individual pieces of land in Waterford, Michigan 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.
Municipal governments which practice zoning typically follow a similar scheme: the town or city is divided up into "zones," or areas in which particular types of use are permitted. For example, the downtown area might be zoned for commercial and office use, and perhaps for large, multi-unit apartment buildings. The surrounding areas will typically be zoned for residential and small-scale commercial use, and the outskirts zoned for manufacturing and other heavy industry.
The purpose of zoning is to preserve property values, and make towns and cities more livable. For example, without zoning laws, a company might be able to buy a vacant lot next to your house and build a noisy, smelly, dirty factory on it.
On the other hand, zoning laws recognize and attempt to accommodate the necessity of factories and other industrial activities. They simply seek to ensure that such activities are conducted in a way that they don't conflict with the rights of adjacent landowners to use and enjoy their property in peace.
What if My Property Violates Waterford, Michigan's Zoning Laws?
Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Waterford, Michigan's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few options.
First, and perhaps most obviously, you can correct the violation. If the violation is relatively minor, and correcting it would not cost you much or be a significant burden, this might be the best way to go.
But what happens if you've invested a large amount of effort and money into improving your land, and you later discover that you've committed some relatively minor zoning violation? You are generally entitled to seek what is known as a "variance" in these cases. A variance is simply when your local government makes a small exception to the zoning rules to accommodate a small violation that would be difficult to fix. A variance will usually be granted if the violation doesn't harm anyone, and enforcing Waterford, Michigan's zoning laws to the letter would not, in this case, advance their purposes.
You also have significant 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.
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How Can a Waterford, Michigan Attorney Help?
If you are in the early stages of a major construction or remodeling project on your property, especially if it is in a residential area (where zoning laws tend to be most restrictive), you are likely to encounter one zoning law issue or another. Of course, having read this article, you should now be aware that you have rights when it comes to contesting a zoning law as applied to you. While such contests do not always come out on the side of the landowner, the assistance of a good Waterford, Michigan real estate attorney will greatly improve one's chances.
There are 54 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Waterford
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Zoning Planning & Land Use Attorneys in the Largest MI Cities
Life in Waterford
The beautiful city of Waterford, Michigan is the third largest township in the state of Michigan with just over 73,000 residents. The self-proclaimed "Lakeside Paradise" is located in Oakland County Michigan and was established in 1834.
Waterford is a city that has a lot to offer both residents and visitors alike. The city of Waterford is located in Oakland County, and its central location makes it a very easy city to live in. Wateford is located on 35.3 square miles and has lots of parks, trails, and other activities for people to enjoy. Additionally, the Oakland County International Airport is located in Waterford, making for easy access in and out of the city of Waterford.
Waterford has a thriving professional community with many talented doctor, lawyers, accountants, and businessman working in various capacities. Waterford lawyers are some of the best in the business, and many come from the University of Michigan Law School and settle to practice in Waterford. Whatever the legal issue is, a Waterfod lawyer is available to help!
