Land Use & Zoning

Overview

Dykema's land use and zoning lawyers are recognized as among the best in the field and the firm is ranked nationwide among 2021 “Best Law Firms” in Land Use & Zoning Law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers. Our lawyers have the essential experience needed to assist developers through the complicated landscape of local and state rules, regulations and laws in order to obtain all entitlements to successfully complete land projects. We are familiar with the local municipal forums that confront developers and we have substantial experience before both local and state boards and commissions. While our goal is to efficiently assist clients in navigating the legal and regulatory process, where necessary we have the depth of skills required to protect our clients rights and achieve a successful outcome in litigation.

We also provide major regional and national developers, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, utilities, commercial firms and health care companies with sound, creative counsel on all facets of zoning and land use law. Our land use and zoning lawyers are backed by the experience of the firm’s environmental, regulatory and litigation teams, further strengthened by the firm’s strong relationships with regulators and key local, state and federal government contacts.

Experience Matters

Representative work in this area includes:

  • Routinely represent land developers with respect to zoning and land use approvals, including site plan approval, re-zoning, variances, planned unit developments, special land use permits, subdivision, right of way vacation and dedication, conditional zoning, tax increment financing and other government incentives, and related litigation and appeals.
  • Represent various wireless telecommunication and wireless tower construction companies with regard to zoning approvals and related litigation under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
  • Handle all aspects of development, land acquisition, due diligence and regulatory approvals.
  • Represent landowners with regard to plat vacations and/or condominium developments.

Events & Speaking Engagements

  • Guidance Update, Vapor Intrusion - A Complimentary Briefing, Detroit, Michigan
    October 15, 2014
  • The Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act ("UCPA"): Pitfalls and Practical Considerations, International Right of Way Association, Michigan Chapter 7, Fall Education Seminar
    September 2013