The Complete Guide to Zoning How to Navigate the Complex and Expensive Maze of Zoning, Planning, Environmental, and Land-Use Law

by Merriam, Dwight

• ISBN13: 9780071443791
• ISBN10: 0071443797
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-12-07
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

Summary

The only consumer's guide to making sense of land-use laws and regulationsMany property owners have no idea what their rights are when it comes to altering their properties, or protecting themselves from encroachment by developers and the misguided building and renovation plans of neighbors. Written by a leading national expert on land-use law,The Complete Guide to Zoningtells home owners, developers, and investors nationwide everything you need to know about getting approvals and protecting your property rights.In plain English, Dwight Merriam explains how to: Get fast approvals for building and renovation plans Obtain building permits and variances Fight development projects Use land-use laws to protect and increase property values Identify and work around laws that limit building and renovation plans Deal with environmental-protection laws

Author Biography

Dwight Merriam is one of the leading land-use attorneys in the United States. He represents developers, local governments, landowners, and advocacy groups in land development and conservation issues.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xi
Part I. What Is Zoning and Land-Use Law?
Chapter 1. The Importance of Zoning in Creating and Protecting the Value of Real Estate	3	(14)
Chapter 2. Zoning as Part of the Larger Regulatory Environment	17	(20)
Chapter 3. Ten Keys to Getting What You Want with Zoning	37	(2)
Chapter 4. A Short Course in the Law	39	(24)
Part II. Getting Ready to Make Your Move
Chapter 5. Know What You Have	63	(10)
Chapter 6. Know What You Want	73	(6)
Chapter 7. Know How to Get It	79	(24)
Chapter 8. Create and Leverage Relationships	103	(12)
Chapter 9. Reach Out for Support	115	(16)
Chapter 10. Preparing Winning Applications	131	(14)
Part III. Putting On Your Case
Chapter 11. Know What to Expect	145	(6)
Chapter 12. Script and Orchestrate Your Presentation	151	(10)
Chapter 13. Rehearse, and Then Rehearse Some More	161	(6)
Chapter 14. Making the Presentation	167	(20)
Part IV. Posthearing Follow-Up
Chapter 15. Procedural Issues and the Vote	187	(4)
Chapter 16. After the Vote: Litigate, Reapply, or Walk Away?	191	(8)
Part V. Winning Strategies
Chapter 17. Be Imaginative	199	(4)
Chapter 18. Rezonings	203	(6)
Chapter 19. Special Permits and Conditional Uses	209	(4)
Chapter 20. Site Plan Approvals	213	(4)
Chapter 21. Variances	217	(8)
Part VI. Protecting Your Property Rights
Chapter 22. Be Vigilant and Don't Delay	225	(4)
Chapter 23. Organize and Marshal Support	229	(4)
Chapter 24. Managing the Hearing	233	(4)
Chapter 25. Finding a Middle Ground	237	(6)
Chapter 26. Long-Haul Strategies	243	(4)
Chapter 27. Conclusions	247	(2)
Index	249