Land Use, Zoning and Development

We represent commercial, industrial and residential developers in obtaining zoning, subdivision, land use and site plan approvals for single retail uses, regional shopping centers and malls, office buildings, metropolitan business parks, research laboratories, industrial facilities and large distribution parks, planned communities, hotels, hospitals and all kinds of residential, institutional and municipal projects. Our experience in all phases of the development process and real estate transactions permits us to assist clients in taking projects from idea to occupancy. Our developer clients include major REITs, national and regional retail franchises, independent developers and private landowners, which we assist in all phases of the development and financing of single- and multi-use projects. Our attorneys have served as solicitor or as special land use counsel to local governing bodies, municipal authorities and school districts. This experience allows us to better serve our developer clients by giving us unique insight into the approval process, which translates directly to added value for our clients.

We have provided counsel in the aggregation and acquisition of industrial and farm parcels for the development of a multi-building industrial park, including necessary rezoning; subdivision and land development approvals; the creation and transfer of a new sewage treatment plant; bridge replacement, signalization and roadway land acquisition within PennDOT rights of way; and tax increment financing. We also represented a regional health network in the development of the largest greenfield health complex in Pennsylvania, including site-specific zoning, land aggregation and acquisition, the negotiation of multi-municipal water and sewage transmission and capacity agreements and nearly $30 million in highway improvements.

Specific areas of experience include:

  • Review and preparation of zoning, subdivision and land development and other municipal ordinances
  • Securing zoning ordinance amendments, including rezoning and text amendments
  • Obtaining municipal approvals for zoning, subdivision and land development
  • Negotiation of development agreements and financial security agreements
  • Leasing, conveying and preparation of restrictive covenant documents
  • Zoning and subdivision procedural and substantive validity challenges
  • Negotiation with public utilities and municipal authorities regarding water and sewer
  • Obtaining permits, approvals and entitlements from state and federal agencies
  • Defending against building, zoning and other code violations
  • Project completion, including construction and mechanics’ liens, performance and payment bond claims
  • Real estate and construction issues for various public entities
  • Resolution of title and boundary disputes
  • Formation of condominiums and planned communities
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