Neenah Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Neenah, WI

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Wisconsin

Neenah, Wisconsin has a fairly considerable number of laws that dictate how specific 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. Usually, localities are divided up into "zones," which are designated for specific categories of use, such as single-family residence, business, manufacturing, etc.

There are a lot of rationales and purposes for zoning laws. In general, they're based in common sense: chemical plants shouldn't be constructed next to daycare centers, pig farms should not be constructed in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and other simple principles similar to that. Zoning laws, by keeping conflicting land uses separate, make life easier for all parties, ensuring that property values will be preserved, and that necessary industries can be conducted where they will not bother anyone.

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 feasible by helping it prevent costly nuisance lawsuits.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Neenah, Wisconsin

If something on your property is in violation of a Neenah, Wisconsin zoning law, the landowner has various avenues.

Initially, and perhaps most apparently, you can correct the violation. If the violation is comparatively minor, and correcting it would not cost you much or be a substantial burden, this might be the best way to go.

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

You are also protected if your land is currently in complete compliance with local zoning regulations, but the area where your land sits is re-zoned, and your property is suddenly not in compliance with the new zoning regulations. Usually, these new regulations cannot be utilized to force you to change existing conditions on your property. No laws can be applied retroactively, under the U.S. Constitution. Of course, if you make any improvements on your land after the law changes, you'll have to comply with the new law.

What Can A Neenah, Wisconsin Attorney Do?

If you are in the early stages of a major construction or remodeling project on your property, particularly if it is in a residential area (where zoning laws tend to be most restrictive), you are likely to confront one zoning law issue or another. Of course, having read this article, you should now be aware that you have rights when it comes to contesting a zoning law as applied to you. While such contests do not always come out on the side of the landowner, the guidance of a reliable Neenah, Wisconsin real estate attorney will greatly improve one's chances.

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Life in Neenah

Comprising a total of 8.6 square miles, Neenah, Wisconsin is located on beautiful Lake Winnebago. The approximately 25,000 lucky residents of the lakeside city enjoy all the perks of its picturesque location. Neenah was named for the Winnebago tribe's word for running water. Neenah was first founded in the 1800's, and originally designated as an agricultural and industrial mission to the local Menominee Indians. Neenah is home to many of the nation's major steel and paper companies. Additionally, it also houses Neenah Foundry-- a famous manhole cover producer. On the artistic side, Neenah's Bergstrom-Mahler Museum houses over 3,000 pieces of world-renowned glass art, mainly comprised of paperweights and Germanic glasswork. Not surprisingly, the museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. Neenah is politically independent from the town of Neenah, although its location would cause a casual oberver to reason otherwise! One thing Neenah is not lack is quality lawyers. Neenah lawyers are at the top of their game and available to represent their local clients in any legal issue he or she may find themselves dealing with. Neenah is a great city to work and visit.

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