West Jordan Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in West Jordan, UT

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Utah

West Jordan, Utah 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.

Municipal governments which practice zoning typically follow a similar scheme: the town or city is divided up into "zones," or areas in which particular types of use are permitted. For example, the downtown area might be zoned for commercial and office use, and perhaps for large, multi-unit apartment buildings. The surrounding areas will typically be zoned for residential and small-scale commercial use, and the outskirts zoned for manufacturing and other heavy industry.

There are many different reasons that cities might engage in zoning - but it is usually 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 preserve property values

Zoning laws generally acknowledge the necessities of things like factories, sewage treatment plants, and stockyards, but recognize that such activities shouldn't be conducted in residential areas.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in West Jordan, Utah

Suppose you find that some condition on your land is in violation of West Jordan, Utah's zoning laws. In cases like this, you have quite a few options.

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.

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 West Jordan, Utah'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 West Jordan, Utah 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 West Jordan, Utah attorney.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in West Jordan

West Jordan is located in the heart of Salt Lake Valley in Utah. It is part of Salt Lake County and has a growing population of about 76,000 people. The city was settled as early as 1848 and relied mostly on agriculture and mining to create its economic base.

Today, West Jordan is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Utah and a major suburb of Salt Lake City. Its recent growth may be attributed to residential expansion as well as commercial development. The city currently boasts four different retail centers, the largest being the Jordan Landing complex. Due to its population boom, future plans for West Jordan include expansion of its railways and commuting freeways.

West Jordan is an immensely popular destination for persons seeking local festivities, such as the Fourth of July Western Stampede held every year. Also, the city's Arts Council sponsors numerous culture events and activities. The Schorr Art Gallery and the Sugar Factory Playhouse house many art exhibits and shows.

Lawyers in West Jordan, Utah are known for their commitment to excellence and service. West Jordan lawyers usually file their claims at the West Jordan City Justice Court or at the Salt Lake County West Jordan District Court. Many of them are also members of the Salt Lake County Bar Association in addition to the Utah State Bar.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Nicholas M.
Nicholas M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Golden, CO

Carl M.
Carl M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Seattle, WA

David A.
David A.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Walnut Creek, CA