Binghamton Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Binghamton, NY

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in New York

In Binghamton, New York, 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.

Localities typically divide their jurisdictions into segments, referred to as "zones," on which particular types of use are permitted. For example, one area of a town might be zoned for residential use, a nearby one for commercial use, and areas on the outskirts zoned for industrial use. This practice is called "zoning."

The purpose of zoning is to preserve property values, and make towns and cities more livable. For example, without zoning laws, a company might be able to buy a vacant lot next to your house and build a noisy, smelly, dirty factory on it.

Zoning also serves the interests of industry, as well as residents. By ensuring that there are places where heavy industry can take place, well-planned zoning regulations will ensure that industrialists are free to practice their trade, and that residents will not be disturbed by those activities, which makes industry more proficient by helping it avoid costly nuisance lawsuits.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Binghamton, New York

Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Binghamton, New York's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few options.

The most noticeable 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 Binghamton, New York'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.

Additionally, if you have been living on your property for a long time, and made improvements on it that complied with the zoning laws in effect at the time, a new zoning law that would be violated by your current use of your property, the new law cannot be enforced against you. The U.S. Constitution bars the passage of "ex post facto," or retroactive, laws. Once the laws take effect, however, you'll have to comply with the new zoning laws with respect to any new improvements you want to make on your property.

What Can A Binghamton, New York Attorney Do?

If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's crucial to have good legal advice. A good Binghamton, New York 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.

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Life in Binghamton

Binghamton is the county seat of Broome County in the state of New York. With a population of 47,000, it is considered the cultural center of the "Greater Binghamton" area, also known as the "Triple Cities" metropolitan area. It was settled as early as 1802 and officially incorporated as a city in 1867. Currently Binghamton is known for being a city with a rich history of technological innovation. The city is the birthplace of companies like IBM, Link Simulators, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Binghamton University is also located nearby and is an important contributor to the economy and educational atmosphere of the Triple Cities area.

Residents of Binghamton enjoy the city's many urban and rural trails, which are suitable for bicycling and walking. One of the more popular urban trails is the Downtown and Northside River Walk, which winds past many of the town's main attractions. Binghamton also boasts a number of fitness and recreation facilities.

Notable Binghamton residents have included musical composer Frederick Ayres and author Liam Murphy. Binghamton has also made several appearances in many films, TV shows, and books.

Lawyers practicing in Binghamton, New York typically file their cases in either the Binghamton City Court or the Broome County Courthouse. The Binghamton Supreme Court Law Library has proven to be of great assistance for many Binghamton lawyers. Binghamton lawyers practice in a wide variety of legal fields and topics.

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