Category Archives: Land Use Zoning Development
What Really Happens Once Your Case Reaches a New Jersey Planning Board?
If you have never sat through a municipal land use hearing, the process can feel like a mystery. Who speaks first? What can a neighbor object to? Does the board simply vote yes or no, or is there more to it? Property owners, developers, and even curious residents in New Jersey often have these… Read More »
What Is a Nonconforming Use in New Jersey Zoning Law?
If you own property or are thinking about buying in New Jersey, you may come across the term “nonconforming use.” It sounds technical, but the concept is actually pretty straightforward. A nonconforming use refers to a property use that was legal when it began but no longer complies with current zoning laws. In other… Read More »
When Is a Minor Subdivision Allowed in New Jersey?
If you are thinking about dividing a piece of property in New Jersey, you might be wondering whether your project qualifies as a minor subdivision. Why does that matter? Because minor subdivisions are typically faster and less complex to approve than major ones. Under the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, specifically N.J.S.A. 40:55D-5,… Read More »
Renovating Your Attic: What You Need to Know About Summit Land Use Requirements
Do you currently have an unused and unfinished attic space in your home that you are thinking of renovating? For many homeowners in the Summit area, renovating and “finishing” an attic can add extra space for your family and can increase the value of your home by adding square footage. However, there are some… Read More »
Buying or Selling Real Property with an Easement
Are you able to sell the real property you currently own if it has an easement? Is it inadvisable to purchase real estate that already has an easement associated with it? These are common questions for buyers and sellers alike in New Jersey, whether you are considering purchasing residential or commercial property. In short,… Read More »
What Should You Know About Boundary Disputes in New Jersey?
Property ownership often appears straightforward on paper, yet disagreements about property lines are relatively common. Boundary disputes can arise when neighboring property owners disagree about the location of a property line, the placement of fences or structures, or the use of land near the boundary. These conflicts can affect residential and commercial property owners… Read More »
What is a Dwelling for Purposes of Land Use and Zoning?
If you are planning to make renovations to your current residence or to make any additions to the property, or if you are planning a larger development for residential or commercial purposes, it will be critical to understand New Jersey zoning and land use laws, as well as City of Summit regulations with which… Read More »
What is a Conditional Approval for a New Jersey Development?
Are you planning to renovate your home or add an outdoor structure to your property? Or are you planning a new commercial development or multi-family residential area in Summit? Whether you have smaller or larger development plans in mind, you will most likely need to obtain specific approvals in order to move forward. Approval… Read More »
Common Reasons Homeowners in Summit Need to Obtain a Variance
For any residential homeowner in Summit who is planning to make any changes or additions to their property, it is important to understand that you may be required to obtain variance approval or another form of land use permission under municipal law. To be clear, even small additions or changes to your property, whether… Read More »
What is a “d” Variance and How Can You Obtain One?
The City of Summit, similar to other municipalities in New Jersey, has a wide range of zoning districts that are zoned for different types of uses. Some areas are zoned for residential use and others for business use. Within those broader zoning district categories, specific areas are zoned for single-family or multi-family residential use,… Read More »