New Jersey Zoning, Planning And Land Use Legal Questions

You may be out of time to file this litigation.  There is something called the Statute of Limitations that bars claims that are too old.  It begins when you knew, or should have known about the issue.  If there was some reason you did not know there was an issue until just recently, or something else that bars the Statute, then you may still be able to bring a claim. ... Read More

You should call the board secretary and ask if there are any lawyers that appear before the board on a regular basis.  You probably want to hire someone that the board is familiar with, and has a certain level of trust and respect for.  If the board secretary won't tell you, often the minutes of the meeting can be found online and you can scan through and see the lawyers that are appearing before the board. ... Read More

First you should determine if that use is allowed in the zone in which the property is located.  If it is, then you have to get the proper permits to do the renovation work if any is necessary and get approval for rental.  If it is not permitted in the zone, you will first have to get zoning approval, which is more difficult, because you will need a use variance.  ... Read More

When looking for a land use attorney, I always find it helpful to find the person tat appears most often in front of the Board of Adjustment or Planning Board.  That attorney will be familiar with all of the town officials, know how those officials like to have things done, and will be able to give you the best advice.  Many times you can look on line at the minutes of the meetings, and see what attorneys are appearing.  Find one whose name comes up frequently, and call that attorney.  If you are asking about a town in Ocean County, call my office and I may be able to assist you. ... Read More

You can always appeal the decision of the Board to the Superior Court.  You can file a complaint in the Superior Court alleging that the decision was not proper and seek to have it overturned.  You need to consult with a land use attorney and review the transcript and informaiton presented to the board to determine if you have a viable case.... Read More

You should contact the code enforcement officer in the town you live and demand that the construction be stopped until the proper permits are issued. Some work does not require permits, but that's usually just interior work.  If a store is being bilt, zoning a building department permission is required. ... Read More

You should probably look for a land use lawyer who can try to force the municipal government to do what is necessary and clean up the property.  Many times the municipality will cite a property for not being in compliance with the code requiring the grass to be cut, or trash on the property and then if the homeowner does not clean it up, the town cleans it up and charges the home owner.  If the homeowner does not pay, they put a lien against the property.  you want a land use lawyer who will tell the town this is their responsibility. ... Read More

You have to go to the hearing and voice your objections. You may want to hire an attorney to represent you and have the attorney talk to the town.  Perhaps other neighbors also want the attorney to represent them.  If you don't hire an attorney put your concerns in rewriting as an objection and go to the hearing. ... Read More

I don't see why it would not be legal.  The only thing I can think of is if the town in which you live declares your fence with the words painted on it to be a "sign" and then you have to conform with the sign ordinance.  Otherwise, I think it would be protect free speech to paint bible verses on your fence. ... Read More

It is a little difficult to figure out exactly what is happening from your description.  I would think the fist step for you would be to contact your local police department and code enforcement officer to determine if the handicap space was properly placed.  A designated space cannot block access to your driveway and cannot encroach onto your property.  It is possible that the space was not properly measured or located. ... Read More

You will have to start by looking at what your town defines as a "kennel" and if you meet that definition, then you are a kennel according to the town.  If you on't meet the definition, talk to the code enforcement officer.  Maybe this is being pushed on you because of some one complaining about noise or something else.  ... Read More

this is s complicated question and your rights will depend on some facts that are not present in your question.  Do the existing homes on the site utilize the pump station?  I'm assuming it is all connected to the municipal sewer system.  Do municipal employees access the station via you property?  Was the agreement you had with the builder reduced to writing?  Was it a specific dollar amount?  If there is a specific dollar amount you are owed, you need to protect that interest by filing some kind of lien against the property, or against future development.  Feel free to contact my office so we can have one of the attorneys speak to you. ... Read More