Bristol Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Bristol, RI

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Rhode Island

Bristol, Rhode Island has laws which regulate 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 prevalent issues that homeowners might face, though it is not meant to turn a layperson into an expert.

"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.

There are several different reasons that cities might engage in zoning - but it is typically designed around making cities more livable, by preventing conflicting uses from clashing with one another. After all, few people would want to live in a house next to a vacant lot, if there is a chance that somebody could decide to build a pig farm next door. The security provided by zoning laws helps retain property values

Zoning also serves the interests of industry, as well as residents. By ensuring that there are places where heavy industry can take place, well-planned zoning regulations will ensure that industrialists are free to practice their trade, and that residents will not be disturbed by those activities, which makes industry more proficient by helping it avoid costly nuisance lawsuits.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Bristol, Rhode Island

If a condition on your property violates the local zoning laws of Bristol, Rhode Island, 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.

Of course, simply fixing a zoning violation isn't always inexpensive or easy, and may interfere with your planned use of your property. For example, you might have just undertaken a substantial remodeling of your home, and later found out that some small part of it technically doesn't conform to Bristol, Rhode Island'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 quite minor, and enforcing the ordinance would be unduly burdensome and not in the public interest.

Additionally, if the zoning laws covering your property have changed, and some aspect of it is now violating the new rules, these changes can usually not be enforced against you, because it would be unfair to apply a new law retroactively.

What Can A Bristol, Rhode Island Attorney Do?

If you suddenly become involved in a zoning dispute with your local government, it's imperative to seek competent legal representation. The counsel of an efficient Bristol, Rhode Island 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.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Bristol

Bristol is located in Bristol County, Rhode Island. It is a small city with a population of around 23,000 people. It is a seaport that is named after Bristol, England. In fact, the atmosphere at Bristol Harbor is very serene and peaceful. It is one of Bristol's most beautiful spots!

Major industries that drive Bristol's economy include boat building, manufacturing and tourism. Some great attractions include America's Cup Hall of Fame, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol County Jail, Bristol County Courthouse, Bristol Ferry Lighthouse, Colt State Park, Gillary's Tavern, Herreshoff Marine Museum, Linden Place, Mount Hope Bridge, Poppasquash Farms Historic District, Joseph Reynolds House, and Coggeshall Farm Museum. As evident, Bristol is a history-lover's delight!

Bristol is also home to many law offices established by competent attorneys. These attorneys are well-experienced in many areas of law, making them easily able to handle the legal needs of residents and local businesses.

All in all, Bristol has it all--beauty, history, charm, and serenity!

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