Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Union, New Jersey
In Union, 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 Union, New Jersey's Zoning Laws?
You have quite a few options if you find that a planned or current use of your property violates Union, New Jersey's zoning regulations.
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.
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 Union, 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 Union, New Jersey Attorney Help?
If you suddenly become involved in a zoning dispute with your local government, it's essential to seek competent legal representation. The counsel of an experienced Union, New Jersey real estate attorney can make it much easier for you to act within the law to use your own property as you wish, or at least be as free as possible to make improvements to your land.
There are 25 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Union
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Zoning Planning & Land Use Attorneys in the Largest NJ Cities
Life in Union
Union, New Jersey is a township located in North-Central Union County, New Jersey. With a population of just under 55,000 residents, this lovely township comprises 9.1. square miles. Union is also home to the worlds tallest watersphere, standing 212 feet tall and the water tower has become a local point of interest, with it's own fan website.
As a township, Union is governed by a five member Township committee. In 2008, Union was ranked the 75th best place to live in America by Money Magazine. Not surprisingly, the Union Public School District has a lot to do with the ranking and Union is home to some of the top schools in the state of New Jersey.
There is also a fabulous community of professionals in Union, many of which grew up in the township and decided to stay and practice. Union, New Jersey is home to some great lawyers. There is a thriving legal community in Union and the local lawyers are trained in a range of specialties and able to help their clients with any legal issue he or she many be facing. Whatever the problem is, a Union lawyer can certainly solve it!
