Many times, because of the particular features of a parcel of property, a landowner’s desired development cannot be achieved and also be in compliance with local zoning ordinances. The firm represents applicants seeking relief from the restrictions of local zoning ordinances in the form of area and/or use variances so that their development plans can be realized. Such restrictions may include setback requirements from property lines or permissible uses within a zoning district. In some instances the firm will represent an adjacent property owner with standing seeking to oppose a neighbor’s application.

A landowner may wish to challenge a code enforcement officer’s interpretation of the zoning ordinance. The method to do this requires an appeal to the local zoning board of appeal and the landowner’s rights may be limited by time restrictions under state or local law.

If a code enforcement officer has issued a violation to a landowner based on an alleged violation of the zoning ordinance, many times seeking relief from the zoning board of appeals can be a coordinated method to legalize the offensive activity and simultaneously minimize any fine or punishment in connection with the violation.

The firm routinely appears before local zoning boards of appeal in Putnam and Northern Westchester Counties. In addition, the firm represents the zoning boards of a number of municipalities in Putnam and Dutchess Counties