Real estate development is rarely a straight line from purchase to construction. The most formidable barrier is often the local zoning board. Zoning laws dictate not just what you can build, but how tall it can be, how much parking you need, and even the materials you can use.

The Variance Process
When a project doesn't fit the existing "box" of local regulations, you need a variance. This is a legal request to deviate from current zoning. To win a variance, you usually must prove "hardship"—that the land cannot be used profitably under strictures due to unique physical constraints.

Environmental Due Diligence
Before breaking ground or even closing on the land, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is crucial. If you buy land that was previously a gas station or industrial site, you may be liable for cleanup costs that exceed the property's value. Ignorance of contamination is rarely a valid defense in legal matters.

Community Engagement
Legal success in real estate often depends on the ability to leverage soft power. Engaging with community boards early can prevent lawsuits later. We advise clients to view the community not as an opponent, but as a stakeholder in the development process.