Zoning and Land Use

Land use and development matters are important considerations to our clients and citizens. We stay at the forefront of legal issues arising from the regulation of land use and offer our clients alternative solutions to address contentious positions between developers, property owners and citizens.

We are constant trainers and speakers on land use issues at the Center for American and International Law and the University of Texas School of Law and Land Use Planning Conferences. We provide frequent advice and have drafted or updated numerous ordinances on land use, development and property matters. Our routine representation includes:
• Attending hearings and providing guidance to Zoning Boards of Adjustment
• Preparing and providing advice regarding proper implementation of subdivision ordinances
• Drafting amendments to International and Uniform Building Codes
• Providing assistance with all aspects of nuisance abatement including, high grass and weeds; junk, trash and debris; stagnant and unsafe water and other nuisances.
• Defending regulatory takings and inverse condemnation claims and assisting with avoiding claims
• Assisting with all aspects of Substandard Building Abatement
• Preparing Sign Ordinances and addressing First Amendment issues regarding same
• Reviewing and preparing comprehensive plans and maps
• Drafting and providing guidance on required notices for Zoning Ordinances and Amendments
• Advising on the issuance and procedures required for conditional and special use permits
• Drafting complex Planned Development Zoning Ordinances for specific developments
• Providing advice regarding the adoption and amendment of Impact fees, including advising the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee and City Council on updates to the Capital Improvements Plan and Land Use Assumptions
• Drafting complex Sexually Oriented Business (SOB) regulations as well as defending cities in lawsuits regarding the enforcement of their SOB regulations