Beaufort Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in Beaufort, SC

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in South Carolina

Beaufort, South Carolina has laws which control 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 frequent 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. Normally, 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 normally 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 Beaufort, South Carolina

If something on your property is in violation of a Beaufort, South Carolina zoning law, the landowner has many options.

First, and perhaps most evidently, you can correct the violation. If the violation is relatively minor, and correcting it would not cost you much or be a considerable burden, this might be the best way to go.

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

You also have considerable 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 Beaufort, South Carolina Attorney Do?

If you are in the process of physically altering your property, you are almost certain to face some contentions having to do with local zoning laws. If you find that zoning laws are making it very hard to use your property as you see fit, you may have legal recourse, normally in the form of a variance. Of course, your chances of success in any zoning dispute will be immeasurably increased if you have the help of a qualified Beaufort, South Carolina attorney.

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Life in Beaufort

The city of Beaufort is the county seat of Beaufort County in South Carolina. Beaufort is situated on Port Royal Islands, in the Sea Islands and Lowcountry areas. Sometimes the city is confused with a city of the same name in North Carolina- the two have the same spelling but are pronounced differently.

Beaufort is known for its scenery and historic feel. Many of the buildings located there are done in antebellum style architecture. It is the second oldest city in the state and boasts a population of about 13,000. The downtown historic district is where much of the original Beaufort settlement can still be found. Other neighborhoods include the Pigeon Point, West End, Spanish Point, and Battery Creek areas.

Tourism has become the main focal point of the Beaufort economy. The city's hotel and bed breakfast scene thrives due to visitors seeking beach vacations, golfing areas, and watersport opportunities.

Lawyers in Beaufort usually visit the Beaufort Municipal Court when filing claims. Many Beaufort, South Carolina lawyers are members of the Beaufort County Bar Association as well as the South Carolina Bar Association. Beaufort lawyers specialize in a variety of legal fields and practices.

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