Building Blocks: Real Property Zoning and Land Use

Attorneys should attend this program to learn about the basics of land use and zoning regulations. Such regulations not only impact various areas of real estate, municipal, and other areas of law, but also impact everyday life in many ways. Whether in a city, suburb, or rural town, land use and zoning regulations undoubtedly impact the built environment in which attorneys and their clients live, work, and play.

This program will cover the basics of land use and zoning regulations in the United States, drawing on key examples from various municipalities. The course will begin with a background on zoning regulations. Next, we will discuss urban planning generally and trends that have changed how municipalities plan cities over time. We will then cover how zoning regulations translate to the built environment. Next, we will discuss zoning bonuses, incentives, and possible avenues for relief that are available in many municipalities. We will also cover easements, restrictive declarations, and development rights transactions that may further impact the use and development of a given site. Lastly, we will briefly discuss related governmental agencies and regulations.

Attorneys looking to achieve a basic understanding of land use and zoning regulations should attend this program. This program will be particularly helpful for real estate and municipal attorneys and attorneys looking to practice land use and zoning law. The program will also be helpful for developers, land owners, and institutions and the attorneys representing them.

The audience level is basic/introductory. However, experienced attorneys who do not practice land use and zoning law and are looking to develop a basic understanding of the same will also benefit from this course.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the components of land use and zoning regulations
• Summarize key historical developments and trends in urban planning
• Analyze how the regulations impact what can legally be maintained and built
• Evaluate the various forms of bonuses, incentives, and relief from zoning requirements that may be available in given municipalities
• Develop a basic understanding of easements, restrictive declarations, and development rights transactions
• Explore related agencies and regulations that all come together to regulate the built environment