REAL ESTATE | LITIGATION & DISPUTESDevelopment, Land Use & Zoning
Our talented and deep bench of Land Use attorneys recognize that each project and zoning matter presents a unique set of challenges and considerations. We will tailor individual strategies to help meet every need and obtain the desired approvals, whether through representation before state and local boards and committees or – if judicial intervention becomes necessary – in court. Our Land Use team consults with and represents regional and national developers, landowners, engineers, architects, and project managers throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts on all aspects of their real estate development projects and zoning matters, including:
- Major and Minor Land Development Projects
- Subdivision Approvals
- Site Plan Approvals
- Variances (Dimensional and Use)
- Special Use Permits / Special Permits
- Petitions for Zone Change and Amendments to Zoning Ordinances
- Overlay Districts
- Zoning Appeals
- Environmental Issues
- Solar, Wind, and Renewable Energy Projects
- Retail Shopping Centers
- Housing Developments
- Commercial and Industrial Developments
- Cannabis-Related Properties
- Road Abandonment
Our knowledgeable and experienced Rhode Island and Massachusetts Land Use group provides invaluable support to our real estate clients, advising on the peculiarities and complexities of local zoning codes, ordinances, and applicable state law and regulations. We have valued relationships with local and regional engineers, architects, surveyors, environmental consultants, wetlands scientists, planning consultants, and other industry professionals, allowing us to quickly assemble a team personalized to our clients’ needs on any particular project.
Moreover, when court intervention becomes necessary, whether in a zoning appeal or other property-related dispute, our vast experience allows us to competently and aggressively represent our clients in disputes including, but not limited to, the following:
- Appeals of adverse decisions of local zoning boards and state agencies
- Declaratory judgment cases challenging the validity of state statutes or local zoning ordinances and regulations
- Adverse possession and prescriptive easement cases
- Easement and boundary disputes
- Adjudication of riparian and waterfront rights
- Title and survey-related issues
- Enforcement of, or challenges to the validity of, easements and restrictive covenants
- Partition actions
- Defending landowners in enforcement actions initiated by state or local agencies
- Perfecting and enforcing statutory and common-law liens
