Mount Vernon Zoning Attorney

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

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in New York

In Mount Vernon, 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."

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.

On the other hand, zoning laws recognize and attempt to accommodate the necessity of factories and other industrial activities. They simply seek to ensure that such activities are conducted in a way that they don't conflict with the rights of adjacent landowners to use and enjoy their property in peace.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Mount Vernon, New York

If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of Mount Vernon, New York, there are a few different solutions.

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.

Sometimes, however, a landowner wants to make improvements on their property which might constitute a slight violation of Mount Vernon, New York's zoning laws. In this case, the owner can apply for a variance - an official agreement from the local government to not enforce a particular zoning regulation. Generally, variances are granted when the violation is very minor, and, enforcing the letter of the zoning law would not do much to advance its broader purpose.

Further, 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 Mount Vernon, New York Attorney Do?

If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's important to have good legal advice. A good Mount Vernon, 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 Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, New York is a city in Westchester County, and borders The Bronx, a borough of New York City. It has a population of approximately 69,000 people, making it the 8th most populous city in New York state.

For a city of its size, Mount Vernon, New York is extremely diverse, with dozens of different ethnic groups comprising a significant percentage of the population. Owing to this, the city's motto used to be "A City That Believes," an allusion to the dozens of places of worship in the city, covering about 25 different denominations.

Of particular note is the city's Brazilian Community. It comprises more than 10% of the city's population, and is heavily concentrated in a large neighborhood which is characterized by many businesses and restaurants that cater to the community. The Brazilian community's presence in Mount Vernon can actually be felt back in their hometowns, in Brazil. Because most immigrants come to American to make more money, which they can send back to their families. This money has significantly increased the standard of living in several towns in Brazil.

The city's legal community of Mount Vernon reflects the city's diversity. Mount Vernon, New York lawyers can handle just about any case that might walk into their office. If you have a legal problem, you shouldn't hesitate to contact a Mount Vernon, New York lawyer today.

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