Title: Consequences of Violating Zoning Laws
Headings: Consequences of Violating Zoning Laws
Consequences of Violating Zoning Laws
Purpose of Zoning Laws
Requesting Changes in Zoning
Consequences of Zoning Violations
Zoning Violation Resolution

Content: Localities typically divide their jurisdictions into segments called “zones” on which particular types of use are permitted. For example, one area of a town might be zoned for residential use, one nearby may be zoned for commercial use, and areas on the outskirts of town may be zoned for industrial use. Without zoning laws, a business might be able to purchase a parcel next to a home and build an incompatible structure which the owner operates at all hours of the day and night. Zoning laws also protect businesses that engage in nonresidential land use by making sure they can conduct their business without interference from neighboring landowners. Besides restricting the uses of real property, zoning laws regulate the density allowed on a property, the intensity of use, number of parking spaces determined by the use, how parking spaces are surfaced, fencing, setback requirements, signage, home occupations, and landscaping. Requesting Changes in Zoning
A property owner may request a change in the zoning of his real property by filing an application with his local zoning board. His variance request to deviate from the current zoning requirements would allow the property owner to use his land in a manner ordinarily not permitted by the current zoning ordinance. A variance is not a change of the property’s zoning, but it is a waiver of a certain zoning requirement. Zoning procedures mandate notice to nearby property owners for the requested change and public hearings to obtain feedback from the community. Heated comments may follow if the change in use is not desired and opponents believe it will have a negative impact on their property values.