Land Use, Zoning and Planning Lawyers in Lakewood, Washington
Lakewood, 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 important 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 many 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 preserve 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 many legal disputes that would be inevitable if they were closer to a residential area.
What if My Property Violates Lakewood, Washington's Zoning Laws?
If something on your property is in violation of a Lakewood, Washington zoning law, the landowner has several options.
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.
Sometimes, however, a landowner wants to make improvements on their property which might constitute a slight violation of Lakewood, Washington'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.
Furthermore, zoning ordinances cannot be applied against you retroactively. For example, suppose you built a 3-story house on your property, and your property was zoned to allow 3-story houses to be built at the time of construction. And then, years later, the area you live in is re-zoned, to only allow 2-story houses. Can the local government force you to remove a whole level of your house? Of course not. Applying a law retroactively is unconstitutional. On the other hand, any future changes you want to make to your property will have to comply with the applicable zoning ordinance as it is currently written.
Find a Lakewood Lawyer that Specializes in Your Area of Need:
How Can a Lakewood, Washington Attorney Help?
If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's important to have good legal advice. A good Lakewood, 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.
There are 117 Real Estate, Housing & Property Law cases posted in Lakewood
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Zoning Planning & Land Use Attorneys in the Largest WA Cities
Life in Lakewood
Lakewood is a city in Pierce County, Washington. It is home to approximately 59,000 people. Popular media publications include The Suburban Times, The News Tribune, Lakewood Press and Lakewood Journal.Popular sites in Lakewood are Fort Steilacoom, Lakewold Gardens, Lakewood Towne Center, Lakewood Playhouse, and Thornewood.
The top employers include Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.
Some Lakewood residents include attorneys who have either stopped practicing or currently practice. Residents turn to these attorneys for their legal needs. If these attorneys cannot handle the cases, then they refer residents to attorneys in nearby locations. Such a system ensures that the legal needs of Lakewood residents will be taken care of.
All in all, Lakewood is a charming place to visit and a must-see when in Washington!
