Portage Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Portage, MI

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Michigan

The laws that regulate how land can be used, and what structures can be built on individual pieces of land in Portage, Michigan can sometimes be a bit complicated. 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 example, 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."

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 don't exist just to protect residential use - it also protects people who engage in other types of use of land, by making sure that they are able to do their business, without bothering neighboring landowners, and thereby avoiding legal disputes.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Portage, Michigan

If something on your property is in violation of a Portage, Michigan zoning law, the landowner has several options.

First, and perhaps most obviously, you can correct the violation. If the violation is relatively minor, and correcting it would not cost you much or be a significant burden, this might be the best way to go.

Sometimes, however, a landowner wants to make improvements on their property which might constitute a slight violation of Portage, Michigan's zoning laws. In this case, the owner can apply for a variance - an official agreement from the local government to not enforce a particular zoning regulation. Generally, variances are granted when the violation is very minor, and, enforcing the letter of the zoning law would not do much to advance its broader purpose.

Additionally, 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 Portage, Michigan Attorney Do?

If you are in the process of physically altering your property, you are almost certain to face some issues having to do with local zoning laws. If you find that zoning laws are making it very difficult to use your property as you see fit, you may have legal recourse, usually in the form of a variance. Of course, your chances of success in any zoning dispute will be immeasurably increased if you have the help of a qualified Portage, Michigan attorney.

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Life in Portage

Portage is a Kalamazoo County city that incorporated as an official Michigan State city in 1963. There are roughly 45,000 Michigan State residents living in Portage which is known nationally for its fantastic network of well kept historical parks, trails, and other recreational areas. The bikeway system, constructed in 1989, totals over 50 miles long accessing nearly every portion of Portage. That's over five times the length of the city's expressways! The Kalamazoo Air Zoo, an aviation museum, is a popular attraction for visitors. Great restaurants like the Craftsman Chop Company, Fieldstone Grill, and Bravo Restaurant Café attract tourist and local clientele with their outstanding dishes. There are also plenty of chain restaurants within city limits. Shopping is also a Portage attraction. The Crossroads Mall is the largest retail center in all of Southwest Michigan providing shoppers with a wide range of choices. Some visitors opt to stay in the accommodations near the mall but there are also a number of other locally owned hotels available.

Portage serves as a somewhat major distribution center as a result of affordable warehousing and convenient location along major state highways. So much business is sure to attract plenty of professionals like lawyers. Portage lawyers can help you sort out whatever legal issue you may encounter and they also have experience with local Portage, Kalamazoo County, and Michigan State court procedures. Portage is a destination for so many different things like business and pleasure making it quite the rising star attraction in the State of Michigan.

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