One of the most vexing issues involving zoning and land use practice in Massachusetts is how site plan review decisions, rendered by local planning boards, are appealed. In fact, we were recently asked by Mass. Lawyers Weekly to comment on this topic, as well as a recent Land Court decision on the same.
Site Plan Review and Avenues for Appeal: Unanswered Questions.
Real estate developer facing fines for erosion
Boston area property developers understand that there are many different regulations that need to be followed when a development occurs. There are many local, state and federal regulations that come into play and when rules aren't followed there can be problems. A developer with property in Uxbridge and Bellingham is facing thousands of dollars in EPA fines.
What is entailed in a site plan review?
Boston area developers understand that before their project can begin there are many hurdles they must jump through. Local and state zoning ordinances and other regulations can be complicated and require vast knowledge of real estate law.
How can a person obtain a special permit?
The Boston area is constantly under change in regard to commercial property and land use. Many times, the use of the land that a contractor is considering requires a special permit. Land use in Boston is often challenged and property developers understand that their projects often require multiple hurdles to jump through.
East Boston property eyed by developers
Boston area property developers understand how important every square inch in land is in the Boston area. Property is scarce in the area, with demand for new building projects always high. Property developers and other groups are always looking for new projects for their development plans.
Vineyard Wind project facing setbacks
Alternative energy sources have been a growing trend in Massachusetts and the U.S. With climate change upon us, many are searching for more energy sources in order to power our every day life and not pollute as much as older technologies. A planned wind farm off the coast of Martha's Vineyard is one such project.
Suffolk Downs development set to be major project in East Boston
Real estate developers in the Boston area understand that complications can arise when obtaining the proper permits. A major real estate development project can involve many different agencies. These developments are important for the community and investors alike, and having these projects succeed is the goal for a healthy community.
Local government tax incentives for redevelopment
Although Massachusetts land owners and developers often complain that local land use and zoning regulations can make new developments difficult, local governments do sometimes work with private industry to promote new ideas for land use, sometimes with great results. One tool local government uses is known as Tax Increment Financing.
Requesting zoning relief can be a long, involved process
As this blog often notes, zoning regulations in the city of Boston are strict. It can be hard for developers to build new properties or for landowners to make alterations to existing properties. However, individuals and businesses do have options when their plans run into zoning issues.
When land use and zoning laws conflict
Local governments rely on the practice of zoning when they plan their urban areas. Without zoning laws, a town might be a mishmash of commercial, industrial and residential areas, causing traffic congestion, inconvenience and possible health hazards. However, zoning is far from an exact science, and sometimes landowners have a good reason to seek to free their property from a zoning law.
