New Berlin Zoning Attorney

Find the right Zoning Planning & Land Use attorney in New Berlin, WI

Zoning Planning & Land Use Law in Wisconsin

New Berlin, Wisconsin has a fairly large number of laws that dictate how particular plots of real estate can and cannot be used, and what can and can't be built on them, and these laws aren't always easy to follow. This article won't make you an authority on the subject, but should introduce you to some of the most important concepts in zoning law.

"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.

There are a lot of rationales and purposes for zoning laws. In general, they're based in common sense: chemical plants shouldn't be built next to daycare centers, pig farms should not be built in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and other simple principles similar to that. Zoning laws, by keeping conflicting land uses separate, make life easier for all parties, ensuring that property values will be preserved, and that necessary industries can be conducted where they will not bother anyone.

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 efficient by helping it avoid costly nuisance lawsuits.

Possible Outcomes of Boundary and Title Disputes in New Berlin, Wisconsin

If something on your property is in violation of a New Berlin, Wisconsin zoning law, the landowner has several options.

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

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 New Berlin, Wisconsin'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.

Further, if you have been living on your property for a long time, and made improvements on it that complied with the zoning laws in effect at the time, a new zoning law that would be violated by your current use of your property, the new law cannot be enforced against you. The U.S. Constitution bars the passage of "ex post facto," or retroactive, laws. Once the laws take effect, however, you'll have to comply with the new zoning laws with respect to any new improvements you want to make on your property.

What Can A New Berlin, Wisconsin Attorney Do?

If you want to make improvements to your property, apply for a variance, or contest a zoning regulation as being applied to you retroactively, you have a right to do so, including some constitutional protections. However, your chances of prevailing in a zoning dispute will be markedly improved if you hire an experienced New Berlin, Wisconsin real estate attorney to help.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in New Berlin

New Berlin, Wisconsin is a charming city situated between Madison and Milwaukee. New Berlin was ranked in the #34 of the Top 100 best Small American Towns to live in by Money Magazine. New Berlin is just under 37 square miles in size, and has twenty six parks in its city limits. It is no wonder that there is a high quality of life in New Berlin, and lots of outdoor activities for its residents and visitors to enjoy. Another aspect of New Berlin that makes it a top small town to live in is the professional community. New Berlin lawyers, for example are some of the best in the business and their wide range of specialties is a great resource for their community to take advantage of. In the summer, there are lots of outdoor concerts in New Berlin. New Berlin also has a highly ranked public school system, as well as great private schools. The New Berlin Industrial Park, composed of three business centers is a big part of the city's growing economy. With the range of activities and great location, it is no wonder New Berlin is such a great city to live in!

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