West Hartford Zoning Attorney

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

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Connecticut

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

Local governments will normally 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 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 done 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 West Hartford, Connecticut

If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of West Hartford, Connecticut, there are a few different solutions.

The most discernible solution is to correct the problem, so your property is no longer in violation of local zoning laws. If the violation is minor, and correcting it would not be very costly, this is likely the best way to go.

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 West Hartford, 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 typically 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.

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 West Hartford, Connecticut Attorney Do?

If you want to make improvements to your property, apply for a variance, or contest a zoning regulation as being applied to you retroactively, you have a right to do so, including some constitutional protections. However, your chances of prevailing in a zoning disagreement will be markedly improved if you hire an accomplished West Hartford, Connecticut real estate attorney to help.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in West Hartford

West Hartford is a Connecticut town located in Hartford County. It has a population of about 64,000 people and was officially incorporated in 1854. It has consistently been ranked as one of the top cities to live in by magazines such as CNN Money and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. West Hartford has been described as a "vacation-worthy" hot spot, as the city features many cutting-edge shopping destinations and restaurants.

For example, some popular destinations in West Hartford include Blue Black Square, Elizabeth Park, Westfarms Mall, and West Hartford Center. West Hartford Center is considered to be the hub or center of the West Hartford community. It has been a gathering place for city residents since the late 17th century.

In addition to West Hartford's thriving economic scene, the city boasts a number of colleges and universities. These include the University of Connecticut Greater Hartford Campus, Saint Joseph College, and the University of Hartford. Notable West Hartford residents have included NBA player Manute Bol and actor John O'Hurley (Peterman from the "Seinfeld" television series).

Lawyers in West Hartford, Connecticut typically assist their clients at the Hartford County Superior Court. Many West Hartford lawyers further contribute to the community through such organizations as the Hartford County Bar Association.

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