Understanding zoning and land use laws is crucial to effectively leasing your property. These laws govern what you can – and can’t – do with your property, from a business or development perspective. Zoning and land use restrictions directly affect the appeal of your property to potential tenants. This brief guide will help familiarize you with these complex topics:
Zoning impacts usability inside a structure
Firstly, zoning laws – which are often municipally crafted – categorize areas for specific uses, often dividing buildings between commercial and residential. However, zoning law is complicated and here can be many types of zones even within a broad category such as “commercial.” For example, a property zoned for one use, such as retail, cannot be used for a restaurant or manufacturing.
Land use impacts the creation and updating of structures.
Land use laws can set the standards for building heights, parking lot sizes, signage, and more. Violating these laws could result in fines, legal disputes, or even revocation of permits. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand these laws before making any major changes to your property.
These laws are not set in stone.
Cities periodically revise their zoning codes and land use regulations to accommodate growth, economic changes or community needs. Staying updated on these changes can help you adapt and maintain the appeal of your property.
Zoning and land use laws aren’t always an obstacle.
While the regulations might seem restrictive, they also protect your interests. They ensure that surrounding developments won’t negatively impact your property’s value, preserving your investment in the long run.
The ideal outcome for your commercial property is to work within the zoning and land use framework of your property’s location. Attracting well-paying, consistent commercial tenants is as much about having a good space as it is being in an attractive area.
Sometimes you can’t avoid litigation.
However, every business knows that there is often no way to move forward with your business plans without legal intervention. Whether it is a lease dispute or a zoning problem, you deserve to work with a skilled commercial real estate attorney to achieve your goals.