Zoning Defined
Zoning is a restriction on the way that land can be used. It allows governments to control the development of communities and ensure they are functional and safe places. Without zoning, a gun store co...
Zoning
Consequences of Violating Zoning Laws
The ramifications for zoning violations can be brutal, so it is very risky to ignore zoning rules. For example, illegal construction may come to the attention of local authorities through a tax assess...
Permitted Uses for My Property
Zoning laws in different states are set to allow certain activities to take place within different areas of a community. For example, states may allow some areas for residential housing and other area...
Zoning Laws for Running a Home-Based Business
Can I run a business out of my home?...
Changing the Zoning on Your Property
If you find yourself faced with a situation in which your intended use of your property is not permitted by local zoning law, then you may be able to change your zoning ordinance as it pertains to you...
Fighting an Approved Rezoning Request
When a rezoning proposal is passed there are still many options for property owners who want to oppose the action. Any appeal of a rezoning decision by a zoning board can be a complicated legal matter...
Major Types of Zoning Classifications
What are some major types of classifications?...
What Are Responsibility for Passing Zoning Laws?
Zoning is a purely a county, city, or municipal affair. Though zoning laws are somewhat universal, the classifications used to describe zoning are not uniform from place to place. ...
Zoning Under Non-Conforming Use and Special Use Permits
Zoning laws are generally set by local governments and establish permissible uses for properties within certain areas. However, the zoning rules for a particular area change over time as an area evolv...
Zoning Rules for In-Law Units
Whether or not an in-law apartment is allowed depends on exactly what type of structure you want to construct and what the zoning rules are for the area where you live. If the in-law apartment is cons...
Zoning on Home Conversions
It is almost always possible to convert uses for portions of your home such as basements or garages. For the most part a simple conversion of a basement or garage into a living room, game room, or oth...
Zoning Symbols and Names
What do all the zoning symbols, such as r2 or m3, mean?...
What Land Uses Do Zoning Laws Regulate?
Zoning laws regulate a number of different things. They may indicate exactly what can be done with a given piece of land. For example, a residential zone must have only residential houses, while you c...
Appealing a Zoning Decision
Can I appeal an adverse zoning decision?...
Zoning Laws for Unrelated People Living Together in the Same House
Yes, there can be a zoning ordinance against unrelated people living together. Any zoning ordinance that attempts to restrict unrelated individuals from living together must be able to clearly explai...
Enforcing a Zoning Ordinance
If you find that a nearby or neighboring property owner is in violation of the local zoning ordinance, then you have a variety of options. You can either attempt to settle the matter by explaining th...
Legal Help for a Variance or Rezoning Change
Is a lawyer needed for a variance or rezoning change?...
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?...
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