Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Texas
Killeen, Texas 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.
Local governments will usually divide the city or town into sections, called "zones," each of which is designated for a particular use, such as residential homes, commercial businesses, agriculture, manufacturing, etc. This process is known as "zoning."
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.
On the other hand, zoning laws recognize and attempt to accommodate the necessity of factories and other industrial activities. They simply seek to ensure that such activities are conducted in a way that they don't conflict with the rights of adjacent landowners to use and enjoy their property in peace.
Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in Killeen, Texas
Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of Killeen, Texas's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few options.
The most discernible solution is to correct the problem, so your property is no longer in violation of local zoning laws. If the violation is minor, and correcting it would not be very costly, this is likely the best way to go.
What if, however, you've invested a significant 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 essentially 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 Killeen, Texas's zoning laws, a variance will usually be granted.
Furthermore, zoning ordinances cannot be applied against you retroactively. For example, suppose you built a 3-story house on your property, and your property was zoned to allow 3-story houses to be built at the time of construction. And then, years later, the area you live in is re-zoned, to only allow 2-story houses. Can the local government force you to remove a whole level of your house? Of course not. Applying a law retroactively is unconstitutional. On the other hand, any future changes you want to make to your property will have to comply with the applicable zoning ordinance as it is currently written.
What Can A Killeen, Texas Attorney Do?
If you are in the process of physically altering your property, you are almost certain to face some issues having to do with local zoning laws. If you find that zoning laws are making it very difficult to use your property as you see fit, you may have legal recourse, usually 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 Killeen, Texas attorney.
Great Lawyer would recommend anytime.
Was very good at his job and helped me get what I needed.
Nick Muller was very helpful to me about my case. He understood what I needed and he was very quick to get the job done. I am very grateful for his help
Nick responded immediately every time that I contacted him. I wasn't sure who to call and I decided to give Legal Match a try. I couldn't be happier with the results. Nick's knowledge, honesty and calm demeanor reassured me each step of the way. Hopefully I won't need a lawyer again, but if I do I won't hesitate to call Nick again.
Nick has been so great. My past experience with attorneys have never actually been enjoyable, but Nick was kind and understanding from our very first conversation which he consulted for free. He kept me updated constantly and had my case settled within the week of us speaking. THANK YOU, Nick for being so kind and fair.
Nick G. Muller responded to my LegalMatch request within a few hours after I posted it. He was extremely knowledgeable in the area I needed legal representation in. He explained everything to me in terms which I understood, and was very clear about what his plan of course was and the outcomes that could possibly follow. Nick only charged me for one hour of work; despite the fact that due to some technology issues (with scanning and faxing on my end) he spent more than an hour with me. Nick worked with me on a time sensitive case over the weekend; a time that most law offices would be closed. Nick stayed in great contact with me, and made me feel confident in the outcome of my case! I would use Nick in the future, and I would recommend him to anyone who has needs for a real-estate attorney.
Nicholas G. Muller is a very good attorney! He really helped take a huge burden off of my shoulders so that I could rest. I highly recommend him!
Accountant
Actually, I did hire him but I basically handled my situation and got the necessary results before a contract was signed with Attorney Muller beyond the first 30 minute consultation. That said, he seemed very nice and if I would need an attorney in the area of his expertise I would contact him again. Thank you.
He kept on the HOA, maintained my best interest, fully understood the issue. I would recommend Nick Muller 100%
thanks!
Was incredible, just who we needed to represent us with our needs.
Nicholas was very knowledgeable / Professional and knew exactly what to do. We was also very quick to handle my case. I will definitely hire him again.
Wonderful. With Nick Muller on my side, I felt safe and protected and knew I would not be taken advantage of. Thank you.
Nick assisted me with the highest level of professionalism and addressed all of my legal needs. I highly recommend him.
Can't say Thank you enough to Mr. Muller and to Legal match. Wasn't sure what to expect from this on line service, but I couldn't have found a better attorney had i looked through the phone book. Mr. Muller was very clear in what he would do for me and the outcome was better than I could have asked. Many Thanks!
Excellent in all areas. I have already recommended him to others in the area.
Nick was amazing. Not only did he take the time to fully understand our questions and needs, but he put in time outside of business hours when he really didn't have to. It's that kind of dedication that we were looking for, and for that, we are very thankful. We will definitely use Nick again of the need arises.
Nick Muller is an asset to the Legal community. Thanks for having Nick Muller on your team!
Great Lawyer that won my case for me! Nicholas was prompt, knowledgeable, and very friendly. His pricing was fair and what I expected. I would use him again.
I would absolutely hire Mr. MULLER again. He reached out instantly and his help was almost as quick. He was very affordable and after hiring him my rental nightmare ended and can now sleep again. I would highly recommend him. I seriously wanted to drive to Golden and hug him. He has followed up numerous times, but not overbearing. Superb service. Thank you again Mr. MULLER.
Mr. Mueller was absolutely wonderful to work with!! He was always quick to respond to my issues and questions about my case!! He worked expeditiously and with persistence to resolve the matter with an outcome much better than I had expected!! His kind and professional manner made it very easy to work with him again and I will absolutely use him again in the future should I have another need to retain legal services. I highly recommend him!! Thanks Nick!!
Mr. Muller did an excellent job for me and in fast timely manner, I appreciate his work.
Mr Muller contacted me quickly, answered all my questions and concerns completely and handled everything professionally and in a timely manner. I would definitely have Mr. Muller represent me again and highly recommend his services.
Nick Muller was very helpful in all phases of the negotiation and followed up with a conclusion that was more than I was hoping for. I would definitely turn to him if I needed legal representation in the future.
Nick was by far the most impressive Lawyer I have worked with. He treated me like family and was a bulldog on the issues. Couldn't have found a better lawyer to represent me.
Fantastic service, quick response and very personable. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney to help me.
This was the best legal experience I've ever had and I have had many personally and professionally. Nick is excellent at digesting a great deal of information in a short period of time, acting swiftly to move the matter forward in a professional manner. He is adept at handling various personality types and view points without losing sight of the desired legal outcome. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone needing legal expertise.
He was awesome. Lots of work for a great price.
Nicholas Muller has the highest integrity,is a skillfully effective and efficient negotiator and produced the results we sought promptly.
Mr. Muller was Excellent. He took a huge burden off of my back within a very short period of time.