If you have a restrictive covenant affecting your property, you should know that it may restrict the ways that you can use your land. The reason for this restrictive covenant is usually to preserve the value and enjoyment of pieces of adjoining lands. For instance,...
If you want to build a new playhouse for your children or to add on a new structure to your home, it’s important to know about the city’s zoning requirements and permits. Although you may think it would be as easy as building the structure on your property and moving...
While this doesn't happen often, city planning boards may have to deal with the request of a petitioner to rezone property. However, anyone who objects to the rezoning may claim that rezoning is actually an unlawful practice known as spot zoning. When this occurs, the...
Property locations can pose a challenge in Massachusetts. If you own a large section of land, there might be people who want to go hiking, fishing, or hunting on your property. You might also have people who want to cross through your property to get from one place to...
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...
