Naugatuck Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Naugatuck, CT

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Connecticut

The laws governing how land can and cannot be used in Naugatuck, Connecticut are fairly confusing, and can be confusing to laypersons. This should provide a basic overview.

Local governments will typically divide the city or town into sections, called "zones," each of which is designated for a particular use, such as residential homes, commercial businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, etc. This process is known as "zoning."

Local governments have several 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.

Zoning laws usually acknowledge the necessities of things like factories, sewage treatment plants, and stockyards, but recognize that such activities shouldn't be conducted in residential areas.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Naugatuck, Connecticut

If something on your property is in violation of a Naugatuck, Connecticut zoning law, the landowner has various options.

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 considerably interfere with your use of your property, this is probably the best course of action.

However, it isn't always practical or affordable to correct a minor violation of a zoning law. For example, 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 Naugatuck, Connecticut'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 particular provision of a zoning law to a single violation. These aren't always granted, but usually 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.

You also have substantial protections if a zoning law changes, and you find that the land you've been living on for years is suddenly in violation of the new law. In general, zoning laws cannot apply to structures and uses which were built or commenced before the law was changed. Under the U.S. Constitution, it's not permissible for state or local governments to pass laws which have retroactive effect. You should know, however, that any future changes you make to your property will have to comply with the new zoning law.

What Can A Naugatuck, Connecticut Attorney Do?

If you are in the early stages of a major construction or remodeling project on your property, especially 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 knowledgeable Naugatuck, Connecticut real estate attorney will greatly improve one's chances.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Naugatuck

With a population of 30,989 (according to the 2000 census), Naugatuck, Connecticut is a sizeable town located spanning on both sides of the Naugatuck River in New Haven County, Connecticut. Of course, being that close to water on both sides, has created some flooding problems for the city. Originally established as a farming community, Naugatuck has grown to incorporate many other industries since it's 1701 inception. One company of interest is H. Barber and Sons, which designs beach rakes and has become the largest business of its type in the world. Naugatuck is also the manufacturing home to Peter Paul, a division of Hershey Foods that produces Almond Joy and Mounds candy bars. Notable current and former residents of Naugatick include Charles Goodyear and baseball player Frank Shea. Quality of life is good for the residents that refer to their home as "Naugy" and there are many fairs and other activities that connect the city. Naugatuck also has an unique approach to government, as it is the only consolidated town and borough in the state of Connecticut. Lawyers in Naugatuck also help improve the quality of life for their fellow citizen. Naigtuck lawyers are skilled in a range of specialties and truly enjoy their craft. Whatever legal issue their fellow Naugy may find themselves confronted with, a Naigtuck lawyer is there to help!

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