North Bergen Zoning Attorney

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

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in New Jersey

In North Bergen, 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 North Bergen, New Jersey

Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of North Bergen, New Jersey's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few options.

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.

What if, however, you've invested a substantial amount of time and money into making an improvement on your property, only to find that it violates your local zoning laws in some minor way? In this case, you can apply for a variance. This is typically 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 North Bergen, New Jersey's zoning laws, a variance will typically be granted.

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 North Bergen, New Jersey Attorney Do?

If you are in the early stages of a major construction or remodeling project on your property, especially if it is in a residential area (where zoning laws tend to be most restrictive), you are likely to confront one zoning law issue or another. Of course, having read this article, you should now be aware that you have rights when it comes to contesting a zoning law as applied to you. While such contests do not always come out on the side of the landowner, the guidance of a knowledgeable North Bergen, New Jersey real estate attorney will greatly improve one's chances.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in North Bergen

North Bergen is a township located in Hudson County, New Jersey. North Bergen, New Jersey has a population of about 60,000 people, as of the 2000 Census.

North Bergen got its name in the 1800s, when the former Bergen Township was divided into several smaller sections, one of them being North Bergen.

North Bergen, New Jersey is known for its hilly terrain, and is said to be second only to San Francisco in American cities with the most hills. It also has an elaborate shape - resembling an inverted "L." These factors have lead to different sections of North Bergen evolving into distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own unique look and feel.

In order to spur development and commerce, the state of New Jersey has designated North Bergen as an "Urban Enterprise Zone." Many state laws and regulations operate differently (or not at all) in these zones, for the purpose of encouraging businesses to set up shop. For example, sales tax is only 3 1/2%, as opposed to 7% in the rest of the state, and many items, mostly necessities for life, or those related to starting a business, are tax-free.

If you live in North Bergen, New Jersey and are in need of legal advice, you're in luck. There are many North Bergen, New Jersey lawyers who are ready to help you with whatever legal problems you may be facing.

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