When you own property, the assumption is that you will be able to use that property as you want within reason. Whether the property in question is residential or commercial, as the owner, you probably have a specific reason why you purchased it, and zoning issues can complicate matters and keep you from achieving your objectives. There are times when the government will change the zoning designation for property, or there are other issues that arise that may leave you in a difficult position.
If you find yourself involved in a dispute over zoning due to the actions or decisions of either your local government or federal government, you have options. You can fight for your Minnesota property rights and take steps to shield your financial interests. To begin, you may find it beneficial to understand more about zoning laws and what they may mean for your individual situation.
How do zoning laws affect you?
Zoning designations can affect how you use your property, whether it is your family home, a small business, industrial complex or other type of property. The intent of the zoning designations in place is to protect property values for the area and keep different districts, such as residential neighborhoods and industrial areas, separate. Zoning designations can affect the following:
- Number of rooms permitted in a building
- Location of utility lines
- Height of the building and size of the structure
- Types of buildings allowed on the property
The division of municipalities is commonly based on commercial, residential and industrial districts. Depending on the specific rules of the local government, zoning designations may limit the number of parking spaces, size of the yard, number of structures permitted on a lot and more.
Challenging the government
If the current zoning designation for your property is inappropriate or unnecessarily restrictive, you may have grounds to challenge it. The government does have the authority to restrict and regulate land use, but you also have certain rights as a private property owner. If you have valid grounds to challenge how the government has restricted your use of your property, you may legally challenge this and seek a change to the current zoning designation.
Protecting your property rights
Protecting your property rights can be a challenging and daunting process, especially if it involves a direct challenge to the government. If you find yourself in this position, you may benefit from first seeking an assessment of your case and explanation of the legal options available to you.