Haverford Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Haverford, PA

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Pennsylvania

Haverford, Pennsylvania has laws which govern how individual parcels of land can be used, and how they cannot. These rules aren't always simple, and this article should serve as an introduction to some of the most common issues that homeowners might face, though it is not meant to turn a layperson into an expert.

"Zoning" refers to a set of laws and regulations which state what use can be made of land in different parts of a city or county. Generally, localities are divided up into "zones," which are designated for certain categories of use, such as single-family residence, business, manufacturing, etc.

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 Haverford, Pennsylvania

If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of Haverford, Pennsylvania, there are a few different solutions.

It should be noticeable that the first option you should consider is to correct the violation. If doing this wouldn't cost you very much, or pose a major inconvenience, you should obviously do this.

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 Haverford, Pennsylvania'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 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 Haverford, Pennsylvania 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 Haverford, Pennsylvania 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.

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Life in Haverford

Haverford is an unincorporated area located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It is situated partially in Haverford Township and also in Lower Merion Township. The town derives its name from the town of Haverfordwest in the country of Wales. Its name has also been translated to mean "goat crossing", which is a Welsh term.

Haverford is noted for being the site of excellent educational facilities, namely Haverford College. Also, the city is famous for being home to the Merion Cricket Club, which is one of the oldest country clubs in the entire U.S.

Residents enjoy ample opportunities for recreation and entertainment in the town of Haverford. Also, those wishing to visit nearby cities can do so with relative ease, as the Paoli/Northwest commuter rail system connects Haverford directly to Philadelphia. Famous residents of Haverford have included author Catherine Drinker Bowen and John C. (Jack) Bogle, a popular financial guru.

Lawyers in Haverford serve the community through outstanding legal service and representation. Haverford, Pennsylvania lawyers are an essential part of the social and professional integrity that marks the community.

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