Hoboken Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Hoboken, NJ

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in New Jersey

In Hoboken, New Jersey, there are laws which determine what can and can't be done on given parcels of land. These laws get pretty involved sometimes, and aren't always quite accessible to laypersons. This article should serve as a good overview of these laws.

"Zoning" is the process by which a local government makes laws determining how individual pieces of land within its jurisdiction can be used. Typically, towns or cities are segmented off into "zones," each one being designated for a specific type of use. Examples of common zoning categories are single family residence, commercial, multi-unit housing, or industrial.

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.

Zoning laws don't exist just to protect residential use - it also protects persons 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 Hoboken, New Jersey

If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of Hoboken, New Jersey, there are a few different solutions.

First of all, and most simply, the owner could just fix the violation. If the violation isn't very substantial, and fixing it wouldn't cost very much, this is probably the best and easiest option.

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 Hoboken, New Jersey'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 usually 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.

You also have substantial 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 Hoboken, New Jersey Attorney Do?

If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's important to have good legal advice. A knowledgeable Hoboken, New Jersey attorney will help you work within the law to ensure that you are as free as possible to make the use of your land that you want.

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Life in Hoboken

Hoboken is located in New Jersey's Hudson County. Per the 2010 census, Hoboken is home to 50,005 people.

Popular attractions include Church Square Park, Columbus Park, Elysian Park, Stevens Park, Madison Park, Gateway Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Bayonne Bridge, Hoboken Terminal, Pier A, Frank Sinatra Park, Castle Point Park, and Hoboken Cove.

Images of Hoboken display the city's breathtaking beauty and charm. Residents love living here. In the list of residents, practicing attorneys are included. Therefore, any legal need of residents and/or small businesses will be tended to by the legal force of Hoboken. For large complex matters, the top tier legal force in New York is close by.

Overall, residents have the advantage of living in a beautiful area, being close to New York, and having a strong legal force both within and nearby their homes. Next time one visits New Jersey or New York, Hoboken is definitely a place to visit!

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