When you own property, you likely assume that you have the right to do what you want with the land and structures on the property. It may surprise you that there are times when the government can limit what you can do with your property, even if you own it and purchased it for a specific purpose. Zoning laws and restrictions are some of the primary factors that may impact how you can use your land and what you can do with privately owned property.
Zoning laws are the municipal restrictions that govern the use of real property. While the intent of zoning laws is to protect property value and benefit the community, there are times when these restrictions are unfairly prohibitive. Whether you are a business owner or simply a personal property owner, you will benefit from learning how zoning restrictions could affect you.
Disputing zoning restrictions
Zoning designations outline where all types of businesses can operate and where one can build industrial structures. They protect home values in residential areas and allow the government to plan the development of the town or city. However, there are drawbacks to zoning laws. They can unfairly limit what a business can do with its property, dictating the permitted number of parking spots and other details. Zoning laws may also keep a property owner from building a home or place of business, and the government can change zoning designations when needed.
There are times when it is possible for a property owner to dispute a current zoning designation or recent change. While it is not always successful when an owner does this, it does offer him or her the opportunity to protect property rights and interests. Owning property comes with certain rights, and it may be necessary to speak out when the government infringes on those rights.
Don’t fight alone
If you find yourself as an individual or Minnesota business owner facing a violation of your property rights, you may take legal action to fight back. However, it is often a complex process to do so, and challenging current zoning laws requires legal experience and insight. You will benefit from seeking an understanding of the options available to you, which may start with an assessment of your case.