Contingencies in Commercial Real Estate Contracts
Real estate contracts almost always contain “contingencies,” i.e. – a condition or set of conditions on performance –written into the contract itself. They're called contingencies because if t...
Legal
Best Way to Hold Title to Your Commercial Property
How should I take legal title to commercial property?...
How My Property is Zoned
With rare exception, property is governed by local zoning law that restricts its use. Although zoning law can differ across communities, the general purpose of zoning is to maintain neighborhood unifo...
Obtaining a Variance on Property
When unusual circumstances make it difficult for a property owner to comply with local zoning laws, cities and counties may grant what are known as variances to allow property owners to circumvent the...
Definition of Variance for Property Zoning Purposes
What is a variance?...
Adding a Buffer Zone to Your Property
Mostly used by local governments and land developers, buffer zoning is a technique used to create some space (both literally and figuratively) between two different buildings or properties. Buffer zon...
The Subdivision Process in Property Development
A subdivision is a parcel of land divided from a larger area; the purpose is to take a large tract and split it into smaller ones that are easier to develop and that can be developed independently of ...
Continuing Non-Conforming Property Status Protection in the Local Zoning Ordinance
A non-conforming business may sometimes continue to operate after zoning laws change to make it illegal to do so, however, any business operating a non-conforming use should be sure to receive approva...
Non-Conforming Use Exception in a Zoning Ordinance
Non-conforming use is a variance of an existing zoning ordinance, permitted because the use of the land was legal before the ordinance was passed. How the law reacts to a non-conforming use depends on...
A Conditional Use Permit for a Specific Use of Land
A conditional use permit is a zoning exception that allows a property owner to use their land in a manner not otherwise permitted by zoning law. Obtaining a conditional use permit differs across citie...
Special Use Permit for Property
A special use permit allows a landowner to obtain a tract of land for a use that doesn't fall directly under the permitted usage for that specifically zoned area. Some examples of special uses include...
Community Control Through Aesthetic Zoning
Aesthetic zoning is the process of zoning a specific area to create a certain aesthetic look; in other words, it's a process by which a community adopts certain zoning regulations for property within ...
Down Zoning
Down zoning is the process by which an area of land is rezoned to a usage that is less dense and less “developed” than its previous usage. This is typically done in order to limit sprawl and overg...
Spot Zoning Exception
What is spot zoning?...
Contract Zoning
Contract zoning occurs when a particular area which is zoned for one type of development is rezoned to another classification based on an agreement between the government and the party that will be us...
Possible Zoning Restrictions on Keeping Animals
Typically a zoning ordinance that controls pet ownership will restrict pets based on where your property is located, what type of animal you have, and what condition the property and animals are in. Z...
Objecting to a Neighbor’s Proposed Zoning Variance
When a property owner seeks a zoning variance, sometimes called a use variance, for his or her property, neighbors and other interested people have the right object and oppose the request. Opposing ne...
Zoning Laws to Regulate Adult Entertainment
Communities may use zoning laws to restrict certain adult pastimes casually referred to as red light activities. Though commonly associated with Las Vegas or other cities selling enjoyment, red light ...
Considering Legal Help in Applying for a Property Variance
Can I get a variance alone or do I need an attorney?...
Contesting the Applicant’s Request to Rezone His Property
In order for a zoning change to occur, the local zoning authority will have to approve the change. Before any re-zone has legal effect, the proposed change(s) must go through a public comment period....
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