What is zoning and how can it impact my plans to build?

On Behalf of | Nov 9, 2017 | Real Estate Law |

While driving through the various neighborhoods of Danville and other Kentucky communities, readers of this blog may have noticed that similar structures are grouped together. For example, a residential development may be exclusively comprised of single family homes, while a bustling retail neighborhood may be replete with shops, restaurants and other places where individuals engage in commerce. Add to that the fact that, often, industrial entities are lumped together in remote parts of cities and one may begin to notice an important pattern emerging in the layout of a location.

Similar buildings are often grouped together due to the zoning regulations of a municipality. Zoning refers to the zones in which certain types of structures may be built and limits where individuals may build their residences, operate commercial enterprises and run farms and other agricultural entities. To this end, zoning may prevent a person from building a certain type of structure in a particular location if the lot where the construction project is to occur is not zoned for that type of building.

Zoning is often a means for a city, town or other governing community to protect its citizens from noise, traffic and other issues that can result when homes are built next to businesses. However, in some cases, a person may wish to have their nonconforming property in a zone where it technically does not belong; in these cases, a person may wish to apply for an exception to the zoning regulations.

Before starting a new construction project, it is important that a person research the zoning regulations that may affect where their structure can be located. Other legal requirements, such as those related to licenses and permits, may also need to be managed before ground is broken for a new building. An attorney who specializes in real estate law can help a person hoping to build meet the legal requirements of their project and start their building on strong footing.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Sheehan, Barnett, Dean, Pennington, Dexter & Tucker, P.S.C. or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.