Zoning and land use dictate how landowners can use their property. In Massachusetts, these concerns are governed by the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A. This framework enables cities and towns to regulate building development so it encourages safety, health,...
Land Use And Zoning
What are special permits used for?
Here in Massachusetts, zoning and land use laws regulate the activities that property owners and developers can undertake. These rules protect communities and the environment, but can be restrictive in some cases. Special permits allow actions that laws and...
How local laws may derail plans to convert offices to apartments
Discussions about property development often focus on unimproved land. The fastest way to create a business opportunity is to start from the ground up in many cases. However, those with an interest in real estate investing may buy property that already has...
2 sound strategies for homeowners navigating zoning issues
Zoning issues can arise under a variety of circumstances, from property expansions to starting a home-based business. Zoning laws are designed to regulate land use, density and the overall character of a community. Familiarizing yourself with local zoning regulations...
How to prepare for zoning litigation for your real property
Zoning is a form of local land use control that helps protects individual homeowners and also the community as a whole. Municipal authorities and local communities have a say in zoning, and those who want to change the local zoning or secure a variance often need to...
What will a utility easement mean for the use of a property?
Utility companies provide crucial services to help homes become habitable and businesses perform basic functions. Gas, electrical, water and sewer service are the most crucial utilities provided by private companies, although telecommunication utility providers also...
How can you resolve a boundary dispute with a neighbor?
Your real property may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, even if the land you own is only a fraction of an acre. Although you may focus on the home where you live, your yard is valuable as well. Your outdoor space will be as important as the improvements you...
How do you secure a Massachusetts zoning variance?
Zoning law in Massachusetts is specific. These rules help preserve the characteristics of a community and the value of individual properties. When you buy a property, you may only use it in a manner consistent with the current zoning for the land. Those who violate...
Can zoning change to let you run a business from home?
Are you interested in starting a small business from home? If you are, you might think that you can start regardless of how your property is zoned, but you need to be sure that it is zoned for commercial use. The local zoning regulations, ordinances and bylaws may...
Can you trim your neighbor’s tree hanging over your yard?
Neighbors often share certain parts of their yards near or at the boundary line. For example, neighbors may split the costs to maintain or install a fence along their shared property line. They might both benefit from a tree planted near the property line that...