Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Hackensack, New Jersey
In Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, New Jersey's Zoning Laws?
Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Hackensack, New Jersey's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few 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.
What if, however, you've invested a significant amount of time and money into making an improvement on your property, only to find that it violates your local zoning laws in some minor way? In this case, you can apply for a variance. This is essentially an exception to the zoning rules. If declining to enforce these rules would not harm anyone, and would not do much to advance the purpose of Hackensack, New Jersey's zoning laws, a variance will usually be granted.
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 Hackensack, New Jersey Attorney Help?
If you are in the process of physically altering your property, you are almost certain to face some issues having to do with local zoning laws. If you find that zoning laws are making it very difficult to use your property as you see fit, you may have legal recourse, usually in the form of a variance. Of course, your chances of success in any zoning dispute will be immeasurably increased if you have the help of a qualified Hackensack, New Jersey attorney.
There are 45 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Hackensack
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Zoning Planning & Land Use Attorneys in the Largest NJ Cities
Life in Hackensack
Hackensack is located in Bergen County, New Jersey. Its official name is New Barbadoes Township. In 1921, the name informally became Hackensack. It is located about twelve miles from Midtown Manhattan,, and about seven miles from the George Washington Bridge. It is home to around 43,000 people.Some popular sites include Fairleigh Dickinson University, the New Jersey Naval Museum, the World War II submarine USS Ling display, the First Dutch Reformed Church, The Shops at Riverside (Riverside Square Mall), and Bergen Museum of Art & Science.
Some famous residents include Debby Boone, Philip Carey, Samuel Cooper, Harold Dow, Jim Finn, Dave Fiore, Mike Fratello, David Grisman, Matt Herr, John Huyler, Dave Scott, Douglas Watt, and Teresa Weatherspoon.
Hackensack is also home to attorneys who have established their practices in their local city. Thus, the legal needs of residents and local businesses will always be taken care of.
