Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Massachusetts
The laws that regulate how land can be used, and what structures can be built on individual pieces of land in West Springfield, Massachusetts can sometimes be a bit intricate. This article will not make its reader an expert, but should serve as a good introduction to the subject.
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 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.
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.
Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in West Springfield, Massachusetts
You have quite a few options if you find that a planned or current use of your property violates West Springfield, Massachusetts's zoning regulations.
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.
But what happens if you've invested a large amount of effort and money into improving your land, and you later discover that you've committed some relatively minor zoning violation? You are generally entitled to seek what is known as a "variance" in these cases. A variance is simply when your local government makes a small exception to the zoning rules to accommodate a small violation that would be difficult to fix. A variance will typically be granted if the violation doesn't harm anyone, and enforcing West Springfield, Massachusetts's zoning laws to the letter would not, in this case, advance their purposes.
Additionally, if the zoning laws covering your property have changed, and some aspect of it is now violating the new rules, these changes can usually not be enforced against you, because it would be unfair to apply a new law retroactively.
What Can A West Springfield, Massachusetts 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 conflict will be markedly improved if you hire an efficient West Springfield, Massachusetts real estate attorney to help.
Great Lawyer would recommend anytime.
Was very good at his job and helped me get what I needed.
Nick Muller was very helpful to me about my case. He understood what I needed and he was very quick to get the job done. I am very grateful for his help
Nick responded immediately every time that I contacted him. I wasn't sure who to call and I decided to give Legal Match a try. I couldn't be happier with the results. Nick's knowledge, honesty and calm demeanor reassured me each step of the way. Hopefully I won't need a lawyer again, but if I do I won't hesitate to call Nick again.
Nick has been so great. My past experience with attorneys have never actually been enjoyable, but Nick was kind and understanding from our very first conversation which he consulted for free. He kept me updated constantly and had my case settled within the week of us speaking. THANK YOU, Nick for being so kind and fair.
Nick G. Muller responded to my LegalMatch request within a few hours after I posted it. He was extremely knowledgeable in the area I needed legal representation in. He explained everything to me in terms which I understood, and was very clear about what his plan of course was and the outcomes that could possibly follow. Nick only charged me for one hour of work; despite the fact that due to some technology issues (with scanning and faxing on my end) he spent more than an hour with me. Nick worked with me on a time sensitive case over the weekend; a time that most law offices would be closed. Nick stayed in great contact with me, and made me feel confident in the outcome of my case! I would use Nick in the future, and I would recommend him to anyone who has needs for a real-estate attorney.
Nicholas G. Muller is a very good attorney! He really helped take a huge burden off of my shoulders so that I could rest. I highly recommend him!
Accountant
Actually, I did hire him but I basically handled my situation and got the necessary results before a contract was signed with Attorney Muller beyond the first 30 minute consultation. That said, he seemed very nice and if I would need an attorney in the area of his expertise I would contact him again. Thank you.
He kept on the HOA, maintained my best interest, fully understood the issue. I would recommend Nick Muller 100%
thanks!
Was incredible, just who we needed to represent us with our needs.
Nicholas was very knowledgeable / Professional and knew exactly what to do. We was also very quick to handle my case. I will definitely hire him again.
Wonderful. With Nick Muller on my side, I felt safe and protected and knew I would not be taken advantage of. Thank you.
Nick assisted me with the highest level of professionalism and addressed all of my legal needs. I highly recommend him.
Can't say Thank you enough to Mr. Muller and to Legal match. Wasn't sure what to expect from this on line service, but I couldn't have found a better attorney had i looked through the phone book. Mr. Muller was very clear in what he would do for me and the outcome was better than I could have asked. Many Thanks!
Excellent in all areas. I have already recommended him to others in the area.
Nick was amazing. Not only did he take the time to fully understand our questions and needs, but he put in time outside of business hours when he really didn't have to. It's that kind of dedication that we were looking for, and for that, we are very thankful. We will definitely use Nick again of the need arises.
Nick Muller is an asset to the Legal community. Thanks for having Nick Muller on your team!
Great Lawyer that won my case for me! Nicholas was prompt, knowledgeable, and very friendly. His pricing was fair and what I expected. I would use him again.
I would absolutely hire Mr. MULLER again. He reached out instantly and his help was almost as quick. He was very affordable and after hiring him my rental nightmare ended and can now sleep again. I would highly recommend him. I seriously wanted to drive to Golden and hug him. He has followed up numerous times, but not overbearing. Superb service. Thank you again Mr. MULLER.
Mr. Mueller was absolutely wonderful to work with!! He was always quick to respond to my issues and questions about my case!! He worked expeditiously and with persistence to resolve the matter with an outcome much better than I had expected!! His kind and professional manner made it very easy to work with him again and I will absolutely use him again in the future should I have another need to retain legal services. I highly recommend him!! Thanks Nick!!
Mr. Muller did an excellent job for me and in fast timely manner, I appreciate his work.
Mr Muller contacted me quickly, answered all my questions and concerns completely and handled everything professionally and in a timely manner. I would definitely have Mr. Muller represent me again and highly recommend his services.
Nick Muller was very helpful in all phases of the negotiation and followed up with a conclusion that was more than I was hoping for. I would definitely turn to him if I needed legal representation in the future.
Nick was by far the most impressive Lawyer I have worked with. He treated me like family and was a bulldog on the issues. Couldn't have found a better lawyer to represent me.
Fantastic service, quick response and very personable. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney to help me.
This was the best legal experience I've ever had and I have had many personally and professionally. Nick is excellent at digesting a great deal of information in a short period of time, acting swiftly to move the matter forward in a professional manner. He is adept at handling various personality types and view points without losing sight of the desired legal outcome. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone needing legal expertise.
He was awesome. Lots of work for a great price.
Nicholas Muller has the highest integrity,is a skillfully effective and efficient negotiator and produced the results we sought promptly.
Mr. Muller was Excellent. He took a huge burden off of my back within a very short period of time.