Land Use & Zoning

Every development project will require extensive interaction with local government.  Many projects will require that the local governing body approve a special exception, use permit, or rezoning prior to construction. Proffers may need to be negotiated. Site and development plans will undoubtedly need to be submitted and approvals sought.

With decades of experience serving as county attorneys and advisors for local governments and authorities, our land use and zoning team can anticipate potential problems with your development project. We can guide you through the maze of ordinances, statutes and regulations to avoid unscheduled delays, governmental obstacles, and denied permit applications.

We have proven ability to promote your project and effectively advance your ideas before planning staffs and governing bodies. Because we represent local governments in land use matters, we know their concerns and how to effectively address them.

Over the years, our North Carolina and Virginia zoning lawyers have been involved in:

  • Countless rezoning actions and have written or revised the zoning and land use ordinances used in local jurisdictions;
  • Represented clients before local boards of zoning in appeals and in disputes regarding zoning ordinance interpretation;
  • Successfully trying matters before state jurisdictions including the Virginia Supreme Court; and
  • Working with the Virginia General Assembly and numerous regulatory agencies and commissions, including the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Corporation Commission.

Our land use and zoning lawyers also understand the use of conservation easements. They know how they may restrict the type and amount of development that may take place on a property, as well as their effect on other rights which the landowner may possess.

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