Passaic Zoning Attorney

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

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in New Jersey

In Passaic, 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 very 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. Usually, 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 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.

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 several legal disputes that would be inevitable if they were closer to a residential area.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Passaic, New Jersey

If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of Passaic, 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 significant, and fixing it wouldn't cost very much, this is probably the best and easiest option.

Of course, simply fixing a zoning violation isn't always affordable or easy, and may interfere with your planned use of your property. For example, you might have just undertaken a significant remodeling of your home, and later found out that some small part of it technically doesn't conform to Passaic, New Jersey's zoning laws. If this happens to you, you can apply to your local zoning board for what's known as a "variance." This is simply a decree by the zoning board that the particular rule your property violates no longer applies. The Supreme Court has held that local zoning boards have to grant variances when the violation is very minor, and enforcing the ordinance would be unduly burdensome and not in the public interest.

You are also protected if your land is currently in full compliance with local zoning regulations, but the area where your land sits is re-zoned, and your property is suddenly not in compliance with the new zoning regulations. Generally, these new regulations cannot be used to force you to change existing conditions on your property. No laws can be applied retroactively, under the U.S. Constitution. Of course, if you make any improvements on your land after the law changes, you'll have to comply with the new law.

What Can A Passaic, New Jersey Attorney Do?

If you find yourself facing zoning or other land use issues, it's crucial to have good legal advice. A good Passaic, 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 Passaic

Passaic, New Jersey is a city in Passaic County. As of a 2008 Census estimate, its population is just under 67,000 people.

The city of Passaic can trace its origins to a Dutch settlement established in 1679, on the Passaic River. "Passaic" comes from the Lenape word pahsayèk, which means "valley." The 19th Century saw a great deal of industrial growth, becoming a center for the textile industry. Passaic is sometimes called the "birthplace of television" because, while the TV was not invented there, it is the site of the first permanent TV station designed to broadcast to consumers. It began transmission in 1931.

Currently, portions of Passaic are designated by the state of New Jersey as "urban enterprise zones." This is part of a state program to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth by targeting areas underserved by businesses providing basic services, and encouraging them to set up shop there through reduced sales taxes (3 1/2% as opposed the statewide rate of 7%), and tax credits for hiring new employees.

If you live in Passaic, New Jersey, and need an attorney, chances are good that you'll be able to find one. Thanks to its size, diversity, and proximity to the large city of Newark, there is a significant legal community there. The chances are good that a Passaic, New Jersey lawyer can help you with whatever legal issues you might face.

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