Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Gloucester, New Jersey
In Gloucester, 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 very 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. Usually, 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 generally acknowledge the necessities of things like factories, sewage treatment plants, and stockyards, but recognize that such activities shouldn't be conducted in residential areas.
What if My Property Violates Gloucester, New Jersey's Zoning Laws?
Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Gloucester, New Jersey's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few options.
The most obvious solution is to correct the problem, so your property is no longer in violation of local zoning laws. If the violation is minor, and correcting it would not be very costly, this is likely the best way to go.
Of course, simply fixing a zoning violation isn't always affordable or easy, and may interfere with your planned use of your property. For example, you might have just undertaken a significant remodeling of your home, and later found out that some small part of it technically doesn't conform to Gloucester, New Jersey'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 very minor, and enforcing the ordinance would be unduly burdensome and not in the public interest.
Also, if the zoning laws covering your property have changed, and some aspect of it is now violating the new rules, these changes can generally not be enforced against you, because it would be unfair to apply a new law retroactively.
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How Can a Gloucester, New Jersey Attorney Help?
If you want to make improvements to your property, apply for a variance, or contest a zoning regulation as being applied to you retroactively, you have a right to do so, including some constitutional protections. However, your chances of prevailing in a zoning dispute will be markedly improved if you hire an experienced Gloucester, New Jersey real estate attorney to help.
There are 25 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Gloucester
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Zoning Planning & Land Use Attorneys in the Largest NJ Cities
Life in Gloucester
Gloucester, also known as Gloucester Township, is located in New Jersey's Camden County. It has a population of around 64,634, per the 2010 census.Many may not think so, but Gloucester has been home to some famous residents. These celebrities include John A. Dramesi, Kyle Hines, Jim Jackson, Sandra Love, and David R. Mayer.
Another surprise to some may be that Gloucester is also home to some practicing attorneys. These attorneys have established law offices where they practice law, consult with clients, and work diligently to serve their clients' needs.
Overall, Gloucester offers a wonderful quality of life to anyone and everyone.
