Cambridge Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Cambridge, MD

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Maryland

The laws that regulate how land can be used, and what structures can be built on individual pieces of land in Cambridge, Maryland can sometimes be a bit perplexing. This article will not make its reader an expert, but should serve as a good introduction to the subject.

Localities typically divide their jurisdictions into segments, referred to as "zones," on which particular types of use are permitted. For instance, one area of a town might be zoned for residential use, a nearby one for commercial use, and areas on the outskirts zoned for industrial use. This practice is called "zoning."

The purpose of zoning is to preserve property values, and make towns and cities more livable. For instance, without zoning laws, a company might be able to purchase a vacant lot next to your house and build a noisy, smelly, dirty factory on it.

On the other hand, zoning laws recognize and attempt to accommodate the necessity of factories and other industrial activities. They just seek to ensure that such activities are conducted 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 Cambridge, Maryland

Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Cambridge, Maryland's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few avenues.

It should be clear, however, that the ideal solution is to just fix any condition on your property which is in violation of a local zoning law. If the violation is not significant, and correcting it won't significantly interfere with your use of your property, this is likely the ideal course of action.

What if, however, you've invested a significant amount of time and money into making an improvement on your property, only to find that it breaks your local zoning laws in some minor way? In this case, you can apply for a variance. This is essentially an exception to the zoning rules. If declining to enforce these rules would not harm anyone, and would not do much to advance the purpose of Cambridge, Maryland's zoning laws, a variance will usually be granted.

You also have significant 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 Cambridge, Maryland Attorney Do?

If you suddenly become involved in a zoning dispute with your local government, it's essential to seek competent legal representation. The counsel of an experienced Cambridge, Maryland real estate attorney can make it much easier for you to act within the law to use your own property as you wish, or at least be as free as possible to make improvements to your land.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Cambridge

Cambridge, Maryland is a city of about 11,000 residents. It is located in Dorchester County.

Cambridge, Maryland was first settled by English settlers in 1684, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in Maryland. After settlement, the area became an important tobacco growing center, and then diversified into other forms of agriculture.

In the mid-1960s, Cambridge, Maryland was a major hub of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Modernly, Cambridge is a relatively quiet, small town. However, in 2002, it received a major economic boost in the forms of tourism, employment, and convention attendance, with the construction of a large Hyatt resort on Chesapeake Bay.

Cambridge is also the beneficiary of a state program designed to revitalize and restore the downtown areas of many cities, returning them to their past place as the heart of a city's business community, because so much business activity has moved to the outskirts of cities.

Cambridge is a 90-minute drive from Baltimore, making it an attractive option for people who want easy access to the excitement of a big city, with the ability to go home to a small town.

Cambridge, Maryland lawyers need to be competent to handle many different types of legal issues. Legal issues can pop up when they're least expected, and often have to be dealt with as quickly as possible. A Cambridge, Maryland lawyer can make sure that this happens.

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