Edison Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Edison, NJ

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in New Jersey

In Edison, New Jersey, there are laws which determine what can and can't be done on given parcels of land. These laws get pretty involved sometimes, and aren't always quite accessible to laypersons. This article should serve as a good overview of these laws.

"Zoning" is the process by which a local government makes laws determining how individual pieces of land within its jurisdiction can be used. Typically, towns or cities are segmented off into "zones," each one being designated for a specific type of use. Examples of common zoning categories are single family residence, commercial, multi-unit housing, or industrial.

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.

Zoning laws usually acknowledge the necessities of things like factories, sewage treatment plants, and stockyards, but recognize that such activities shouldn't be conducted in residential areas.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Edison, New Jersey

You have quite a few options if you find that a planned or current use of your property violates Edison, New Jersey's zoning regulations.

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 considerably interfere with your use of your property, this is probably the best course of action.

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 typically be granted if the violation doesn't harm anyone, and enforcing Edison, New Jersey's zoning laws to the letter would not, in this case, advance their purposes.

You are also protected if your land is currently in full compliance with local zoning regulations, but the area where your land sits is re-zoned, and your property is suddenly not in compliance with the new zoning regulations. Usually, these new regulations cannot be used to force you to change existing conditions on your property. No laws can be applied retroactively, under the U.S. Constitution. Of course, if you make any improvements on your land after the law changes, you'll have to comply with the new law.

What Can A Edison, New Jersey Attorney Do?

If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's important to have good legal advice. A knowledgeable Edison, New Jersey 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.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Edison

Edison, also known as "Edison Township," is in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Edison was incorporated as Raritan Township prior to becoming Edison Township.

In 2006, Money Magazine ranked Edison the twenty-eighth most livable small city in the U.S. Two years later, this rank fell to thirty-five. In 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked the city as one of "America's 10 Best Places to Grow Up." U.S. News and World Report uses factors such as low crime, a strong school system, greenery, and recreational activities.

With all of Edison's distinctions, naturally it is home to a variety of professionals, including attorneys. Many attorneys practice law in Edison and are able to aid residents and local businesses with their legal needs.

Past and present famous residents include David Bryan, Al Chez, Tom Dwan, Patrick McDonnell, Brittany Murphy, Susan Sarandon, Mike Vallely, Darrin Winston, and Jeremy Zuttah.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Nicholas M.
Nicholas M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Golden, CO

Carl M.
Carl M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Seattle, WA

David A.
David A.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Walnut Creek, CA