Zoning regulations can restrict the size of properties. For example, if a farmer sells 1,000 acres to a developer, zoning regulations might state the lots can be no smaller than five acres because of the location and the amount of traffic a residential development could bring to the area. For example, a landowner sells 100 acres in the middle of a residential area. That area may be zoned residential only to keep smoke-producing factories away from a residential area.

At the local level, zoning also makes sure landowners keep their properties in good shape. If a town has regulations against storing inoperable vehicles at home, zoning will respond to a complaint and issue a notification to homeowners in violation of that rule. It states the homeowner must comply with the zoning regulations for that town or county. If the zoning commission comes out to investigate and finds that the landowner didn’t comply, the landowner could be fined.

An easement is a recorded document that allows others to use property for a specific reason. For example, almost every residential landowner has a utility easement running across their land. This allows utility companies to place and maintain utilities that serve your home. An easement could also be between two landowners, such as a shared driveway. Generally, you are not allowed to restrict the use of that land by putting any type of permanent structure or plant life on the easement.

In some cases, an easement may exist for years and never be recorded. In the driveway example, the problem arises when one of the landowners sells the property and the buyers believe that the driveway is theirs. That is when the parties may learn that no easement has ever been recorded. A land use and zoning attorney can help determine whether an easement exists and which person the property belongs to, according to multiple factors, including original surveys, the length of time the property was being used as an easement, as well as several other elements.

In a nutshell, eminent domain allows the government to convert private property to public-use. One of the most common cases of eminent domain is when a county or town needs to put in a new road or widen existing ones. The government may “take” a portion of your land for this. However, it must provide just compensation for the land it needs.

Private individuals, businesses, or the government may sue over land use and zoning regulations. Common types of cases include but are not limited to:

• Boundary lines between properties or incorrect surveys
• Zoning restrictions for new construction
• Zoning restriction changes that affect the current property, buildings, and businesses
• Eminent domain matters

If you are involved in a property dispute, including issues with easements, boundaries, incorrect surveys, eminent domain, or zoning regulations, contact Morgan & Morgan by filling out a free case evaluation. If we take your case, we’ll assign a full legal team of attorneys and supporting staff to expertly navigate it from start to finish. For decades, we’ve fought for the rights of more than 100,000 clients nationwide and treat every client like family. With Morgan & Morgan, you know you’re getting the best possible service and results from experienced attorneys by your side.