The commonwealth of Massachusetts has applicable state and federal fair housing laws. Fair housing law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, familial status, gender identity, and other traits protected under civil rights law. Often plaintiffs will...
This question is heard a lot here in Boston and around the state when owners contemplate changes to their property. In either case, the owner must follow a process for filing an appeal with the appropriate local Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Each municipality has its...
When you started your property hunt, you probably expected your search to end with your owning and fully controlling it. Unfortunately, as you go through the buying process, you could discover that certain factors may prevent you from having full control and ownership...
Most new developments here in Massachusetts and elsewhere begin with the purchase of the land on which the construction or renovation will occur. If you are looking to purchase land for development, you will need to consider a variety of issues before committing to...
If you are looking for property on which to build a home or establish a development, you have many items on your checklist. You want land that is appropriate for sustaining improvements, is convenient to amenities and is zoned to meet your needs. However, it is also...
Many sections of the greater Boston area are characterized by densely populated neighborhoods. Many of these neighborhoods were established before the adoption of zoning codes that set minimum side and rear yard setbacks. And even today, in urban settings, there are...
In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we will continue providing legal services, while taking appropriate steps to insure the health and safety of our staff and clients. Part of that effort is to work remotely to the greatest extent possible and limit the...
Having discussed what easements are, and how easements are created, this Part III of our series on easement basics will address how easements cease to exist-are extinguished or terminated. Once granted, an appurtenant easement generally has perpetual existence, as it...
attorneys, Nick Shapiro and Robbie Hopkins, co-authored and filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of the Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts and the Abstract Club, in the further appellate review proceedings, before the...
If you aspire to develop property in Massachusetts, you may be always on the lookout for a promising piece of land. If the land has been sitting vacant for some time, you may want to do a careful examination of the property lines. This includes land you may already...
