Mount Vernon Zoning Attorney

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

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Washington

Mount Vernon, Washington has a fairly large number of laws that dictate how particular plots of real estate can and cannot be used, and what can and can't be built on them, and these laws aren't always easy to follow. This article won't make you an authority on the subject, but should introduce you to some of the most essential concepts in zoning law.

"Zoning" refers to a set of laws and regulations which state what use can be made of land in different parts of a city or county. Generally, localities are divided up into "zones," which are designated for certain categories of use, such as single-family residence, business, manufacturing, etc.

There are numerous different reasons that cities might engage in zoning - but it is usually designed around making cities more livable, by preventing conflicting uses from clashing with one another. After all, few people would want to live in a house next to a vacant lot, if there is a chance that somebody could decide to build a pig farm next door. The security provided by zoning laws helps maintain property values

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 numerous legal disputes that would be inevitable if they were closer to a residential area.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Mount Vernon, Washington

If something on your property is in violation of a Mount Vernon, Washington zoning law, the landowner has several avenues.

It should be clear, however, that the ideal solution is to just fix any condition on your property which is in violation of a local zoning law. If the violation is not significant, and correcting it won't significantly interfere with your use of your property, this is likely the ideal course of action.

However, it isn't always practical or affordable to correct a minor violation of a zoning law. For instance, suppose you have just spent a large amount of money and effort remodeling a house to turn it into your dream home. You thought you were in total compliance with local zoning laws when you did this, but find out that there is some small, technical violation of Mount Vernon, Washington's zoning laws. In these cases, you have recourse in the form of a variance. You are entitled to petition the local zoning board to grant you a variance, which is an official decision not to apply a certain provision of a zoning law to a single violation. These aren't always granted, but generally have to be granted if the violation doesn't interfere with anyone else's use of their property, and doesn't thwart the purposes of local zoning laws.

Furthermore, if you have been residing 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 prevailing 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, Washington Attorney Do?

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

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, Washington is located on the Skasgit River and houses a population of just under 26,000. Although creating a beautiful backdrop, the River has also caused some flooding issues for Mount Vernon in recent times-- a problem the city now has under control.

Because of its strategic location near Pudget Sound and other desirable attributes, Mount Vernon was rated the Best Small City in America. Mount Vernon owes much of its growth to the early mining, farming, and logging communities that developed near the city.

Mount Vernon is also home to a thriving professional community with doctors, lawyers, and accountants available to serve the Mount Vernon's population needs. Mount Vernon lawyers specialize in family law, contract, law, employment issues, wills and trusts to name a few and are some of the best in the business. Whether staying or just visiting, there are so many aspects of Mount Vernon that make this city lovely.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Nicholas M.
Nicholas M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Golden, CO

Carl M.
Carl M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Seattle, WA

David A.
David A.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Walnut Creek, CA