UNDERSTANDING ZONING LAWS

Zoning laws are used by local governments to promote growth and safeguard the interests of the community. When buying commercial real estate, you must consider how zoning laws will affect your plans to use the land.

Zoning Ordinances and Land Use

Zoning ordinances dictate where businesses can operate. Typically, land is divided into different zones including, residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Commercial zones are reserved for commercial activities like retail stores and offices, though sometimes land can be zoned for multiple uses. Therefore, it may be possible to use land for commercial or residential purpose if is zoned for both commercial and residential use, but it will not be possible to open a business if land is solely designated for residential use.

Zoning Regulations

In addition to dictating what the land can be used for, zoning laws also regulate certain activates. For example, zoning laws may dictate acceptable noise levels and waste management methods. They will also establish the permitted height of buildings and acceptable proximately to other buildings.

There is also a range of other possible regulations common to commercial zones. For instance, Commercial zones often require a specific number of parking spots to accompany the public. Many zoning laws also aim to control the size, placement, and appearance of any signs used to advertise a business.

Ultimately, it is important to do the necessary due diligence and determine what type of use is permitted before purchasing any property. Zoning laws can change regularly, so you must be sure to stay informed. An experienced attorney will be able to help with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions.