The legal complexities surrounding real estate development and redevelopment require that attorneys not only have an in-depth knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations, but also the tenacity and skill to stay current with ever-changing market conditions.

You also need counsel who has the experience and skill necessary to skillfully guide you through the complex policies and requirements that govern the approval and permitting processes at the municipal, county, and state levels.

At Weiner Law Group LLP, our land use and real estate attorneys have an impressive breadth and depth of experience in development and redevelopment matters, and regularly help clients manage all aspects of real estate development.

Table of Contents show

What Is Real Estate Development?

Real estate development encompasses the entire process of a real estate project, from planning to completion. This process may include:

  • Acquisitions,
  • Sales,
  • Leasing,
  • Financing,
  • Zoning,
  • Planning approvals, and
  • Construction.

If you’re a private sector developer planning a development project, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable real estate development lawyer who can help you tackle every phase of this process.

What Is Real Estate Redevelopment?

Redevelopment is the process of renovating existing structures or developing land that was previously occupied. A redevelopment project involves many of the same processes as any other type of real estate development. However, it can also pose additional legal hurdles, such as:

  • Navigating existing tenant agreements,
  • Fulfilling existing contractual obligations associated with the property,
  • Dealing with existing infrastructure, and
  • Demolition issues such as asbestos removal or other safety concerns.

An attorney can help you identify any unique challenges you may face with your redevelopment project and advise you on the best way forward.

What Is Zoning?

Zoning is a regulatory framework that governs land use and development within the community. It is the tool through which a municipality shapes its physical layout and character, dictating what can be built where and for what purpose.

Zoning laws segment a municipality into distinct zones. In New Jersey, zoning is controlled at the local level and rules vary greatly. That said, zoning categories generally include residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Each one of these has its own set of rules and restrictions.

The purpose of zoning is multifold. For one, it aims to ensure the efficient use of land in a way that benefits the community as a whole. It also helps maintain the character of neighborhoods, controlling traffic flow, preserving green spaces, and preventing businesses and residences from coming into conflict.

Finally, zoning laws address specifics like the size and height of buildings, distances between structures, and the density of development.

Why Do I Need a Zoning Lawyer?

Zoning may be simple in theory, but it rapidly becomes unwieldy. For one, every municipality has its own zoning rules. Second, even a simple project involves countless use applications, permits, approvals, and variances. Here’s how a zoning lawyer can lighten your load:

  • Navigating complex zoning regulations. A zoning lawyer has the expertise to unravel the complicated interplay of zoning regulations within and across municipalities so that your project adheres to all local zoning ordinances and regulations.
  • Guidance on land use applications. Whether you’re seeking to develop a property, apply for a variance, or challenge a zoning decision, a zoning lawyer can provide invaluable guidance. In addition, they can help prepare and file the necessary applications.
  • Mitigating legal risks. Engaging in development or land use activities can expose you to significant risks, including costly legal disputes, project delays, or non-compliance penalties. A zoning lawyer mitigates these risks by anticipating and minimizing potential ambiguities and difficulties. 
  • Representation in disputes and appeals. Even with the best planning, your project might be the target of litigation. When you find yourself in a dispute over land use or a zoning decision, a zoning attorney can represent your interests effectively. 
  • Strategic planning and advice. Zoning lawyers also provide strategic advice to help you realize your project goals within the framework of local zoning laws. This can include advising on the feasibility of projects, potential legal obstacles, and strategies for successful application approvals.
  • Legal requirement. The Municipal Land Use Law and several local ordinances require that when the applicant to a planning or zoning board is a partnership or corporation, it must be represented by an attorney.

A zoning lawyer can also play a role in managing relations with the community, particularly in cases where your project may face public scrutiny or opposition. They can handle public hearings, community meetings, and negotiations with neighborhood groups with a delicate touch.

Building Client Trust One Development At A Time

Since forming in 1988, Weiner Law Group LLP has helped hundreds of clients with thousands of development and redevelopment projects throughout New Jersey.

Our public and private sector clients, including property owners, developers, contractors, municipalities, and investors, rely on us to fully represent their best interests in commercial, industrial, or residential projects.

We regularly participate in the development and redevelopment of all types of property, including:

  • Office buildings,
  • Mixed-use developments,
  • Hotel and event centers,
  • Single-family subdivisions,
  • Condos and townhouses,
  • Apartment complexes,
  • Shopping malls,
  • Manufacturing plants, and
  • Industrial parks.

Our real estate lawyers also represent clients with issues involving the financing, leasing, and sale of real estate and counsel planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment in issues involving land use applications, permits, approvals, and variances.

Development Counsel That Goes Above And Beyond

At Weiner Law Group LLP, our attorneys have over three decades of experience representing developers, municipalities, and others in developing and revitalizing our state’s urban and suburban areas.

We have helped clients obtain major commercial, retail, and residential approvals throughout New Jersey.

For more information on how we can help you bring your development or redevelopment project to completion in a fiscally sound manner, contact us online or call our office in Parsippany at 866-899-1138 to schedule an appointment.