When it comes to real estate, there are numerous ways that the law can restrict or classify land use. It is vital to understand different zoning laws and regulations in order to resolve common zoning disputes as smoothly as possible. While there are zoning categories common to cities all over the United States, category names will vary depending on what state or county you are in.
Most of the time, jurisdictions will use letters of the alphabet as code abbreviations for a physical geographic area during zoning. For example, "R" may stand for residential or "C" may stand for commercial and "I" may stand for industrial. Most of the time these letters are paired with a number which indicates the certain amount of acreage in the zoning or the square footage for a particular property.
Residential Zoning
In residential zoning, there are single family residences (usually abbreviated by SFR) and suburban homesteads (abbreviated SH.) There can also be any other designations to cover duplexes, apartments, trailer parks, condominiums, co-ops, and homes. Residential zoning covers issues such as what type of home can be built or placed on a property. For example, in a suburban homestead, it may not be permissible for individuals to place a trailer that would belong in a trailer park. Residential zoning also determines the number of structures allowed on a certain property.
Zoning laws could cause difficulty for homeowners if they want to add a guest house to the property or add on to their home. Also, zoning laws can limit the types of animals that are allowed at a residence. For example, suburban residential zoning may only allow dogs, cats, and other small domesticated animals. It may not permit work animals like horses, cows, and goats.
If you are accused of violating zoning laws, you’ll want a real estate attorney to make sure you’re able to avoid serious fines or losses! Find a real estate attorney on our directory today.
Running a Business from Home & Zoning Law
Zoning laws also govern home business entities. The government or city can regulate the hours of operation, the signage on the home, the parking for the business, and any delivery concerns. Also, if there are noise issues, or if there are a number of employees and business guests that are always coming and going from the property, zoning regulations can determine whether or not this is permissible. There may be some businesses that are simply not permitted to be run from a residential zone.
Some zoning regulations will restrict any in-home businesses in the area. Others restrict to a type of business and business hours. Individuals may be required to create parking and entrance facilities for the home business, which may be restricted by the zoning regulations governing your property. For instance, most condominiums cannot host any business operation.
Also, zoning laws may allow or bar the options of church meetings or schools within homes. For example, some families prefer to educate their children thought a community homeschooling effort that meets at someone's home. If you are going to host a class at your house, then you may need to check with zoning laws before doing so. Likewise, if you are going to host a church service at your house, you may also need to double check zoning laws.
If you have more questions about commercial zoning or are in the midst of an argument over zoning issues then you need to talk to an experienced real estate lawyer. Our directory includes some of the most knowledgeable and reputable real estate attorneys in the country. Whether you need general representation for your property holdings or you need a litigator for a particular dispute, our directory can point you in the right direction.
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