Deerfield Beach Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Deerfield Beach, FL

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Florida

The laws controlling how land can and cannot be used in Deerfield Beach, Florida are fairly intricate, 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 specific use, such as residential homes, commercial businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, etc. This process is known as "zoning."

Local governments have various different reasons for enacting zoning laws, ranging from ensuring that residential areas are peaceful and quiet, to safeguarding property values. For instance, 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.

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

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Deerfield Beach, Florida

If something on your property is in violation of a Deerfield Beach, Florida zoning law, the landowner has many avenues.

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

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 Deerfield Beach, Florida'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 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.

Additionally, zoning ordinances cannot be applied against you retroactively. For instance, 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 reside 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.

What Can A Deerfield Beach, Florida 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 Deerfield Beach, Florida real estate attorney to help.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Deerfield Beach

Welcome to Deerfield Beach, Florida-- a city known for its beachside charm. Located in Southern Florida, Deerfield is located north of popular Florida city, Miami. Deerfield Beach has a very tourist-oriented feel to it. The sunny Florida shores are another aspect that tourists enjoy in Deerfield.

Deerfield Beach's economy is as diverse as its population, specializing in manufacturing, distribution, and office industries. Deerfield has the ninth largest Brazilian population in the United States--a presence that is reflected in many of the local restaurants in Deerfield. Every year Deerfield Beach plays host to the Women's Professional Volleyball Association and the Superboat Power Race. Deerfield Beach is home to close to 80,000 residents and is located on Broward County, Florida.

Another notable aspect of Deerfield Beach is the amazing legal culture the community enjoys. Deerfield lawyers hail from all areas of the United States and their range of specialties is as diverse as they are. Lawyer in Deerfield are available to serve their clients in any legal issue they may find themselves confronted with. Deerfield Lawyers are highly skilled and Deerfield is lucky to have them!

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