Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Parsippany, New Jersey
In Parsippany, 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.
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 Parsippany, New Jersey's Zoning Laws?
If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of Parsippany, New Jersey, there are a few different solutions.
First of all, and most simply, the owner could just fix the violation. If the violation isn't very significant, and fixing it wouldn't cost very much, this is probably the best and easiest option.
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 Parsippany, 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.
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 Parsippany, New Jersey Attorney Help?
If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's important to have good legal advice. A good Parsippany, 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.
There are 21 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Parsippany
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Life in Parsippany
Parsiappny, a.k.a. Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, is located in Morris County, New Jersey. The name stems from the Native American word "parsipanong," which means "the place where the river winds through the valley." In 2006, Money Magazine ranked the city seventeenth amongst The Best Places to Live in the United States. In 2008, the rank increased to thirteenth.The city is also known because it has been referenced in both television and films. References include the television sitcom Seinfeld, specifically "The Mom & Pop Store" episode. Film references include The Ex, Beer League, and The Karate Kid.
Many attorneys practice in Pasippany. These attorneys focus on providing personalized legal services to their clients. Therefore any and every legal need of residents and businesses can easily be handled by the legal force in Parsippany.
Famous residents include Keith Ferris, James Jean, Jeff Koyen, Robert Lazzarini, Johnnie Moran, Joe Orsulak, Angelo Savoldi, and Chris Singleton.
