Zoning is an important process because it divides land in any municipality into different sections. These sections, called zones, are designated for specific uses. For example, one zone may be residential while another is for businesses or industry.
When you’re looking to build your company or you want to buy property, you need to know what zone the property is in. If you choose a property that is not zoned for what you want to do, then there is a risk that you could have a property you can’t use.
What Happens If Your Property Is Not Zoned for Your Business?
If a property isn’t zoned for your business, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get an approval to work there. It does mean that you’ll need to go through additional steps to ask for permission, such as getting neighbors in the area to petition for the change or showing why your business building there will have a positive effect in the area.
There is room for disagreements on zoning, and as long as you’re being reasonable, there is a chance that you could get the zoning regulations reconsidered. However, it’s usually much easier to find out about the zone your preferred property is in before you decide to purchase it. Changing the zoning of a property can be time-intensive, and you may not be able to get it changed in the end.
If you’re concerned about your property and how it’s zoned, your attorney may be able to help you get more information and understand how to seek an exception for your business. Our site has more on what you can do to fight zoning rules that affect you.