Land Use, Zoning and Municipal Law| McMillan Metro

We Help Builders, Developers, And Individual Property Owners Navigate The Complex Development Approval And Permit Issuance Processes.

Zoning ordinances, subdivision and forest conservation regulations, and building codes are challenging and unavoidable parts of owning and managing an existing residential, commercial, or industrial building or securing approvals for a new development project. You can count on our land use attorneys to help you navigate the zoning, planning, permitting, and subdivision requirements for land development and use approval. You can also count on us to assist when your permit applications are denied, delayed or revoked, or when you are the subject of a notice of violation.

As our client, you get more than an understanding of local codes, regulations, zoning and subdivision laws, administrative procedure, and appellate litigation. Our trusting professional relationships with department staff, elected officials, local boards and commissions, and industry leaders, enable us to advocate effectively with the appropriate decision makers. Our attorneys know the rules, the people, and the process for development review and approvals and code enforcement, which gives you extra assurance that we’ll get to the heart of your land use or zoning issue quickly and incisively.

Navigating complex zoning ordinances and regulations? McMillan Metro can help. Please call us at (301) 251-1180 or submit an online inquiry so we can assist you.

SOME OF THE WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU

I have a parcel of undeveloped (or under-developed) land. How many houses can I put on it?

Our lawyers regularly face this complex question that has many possible answers. We can assist you in understanding the many facets of developing your parcel from your subdivision and standard development rights, to your maximum density, buildable area, and even creative optional methods or local development programs.

Can you help me understand what I can and cannot do with a piece of property I am interested in buying?

Yes. We regularly assist large and small scale developers, lenders, and investors understand the types of geographic, topographic, zoning, and use advantages and limitations that come along with any piece of property. Our lawyers have significant experience interpreting the Montgomery County and Frederick County zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations and they can help you understand your building area, subdivision rights and available permitted and conditional uses.

Can I appeal a decision denying my preliminary plan or conditional use application?

Yes. Each county has specific rules, procedures, limitations and strict time limits for further review and appeal of its local planning and zoning boards’ decisions. Denied applications can eventually be appealed to the Circuit Court and Maryland’s appellate courts, which also have strict rules and time limits. We are happy to discuss your rights and options if you received a decision that you think should be further reviewed.

Can you help me address this Department of Permitting Services Code violation?

Yes. Our attorneys rely on their knowledge of and ability to interpret building codes and local laws and regulations, as well as our professional relationships with governmental staff to help you understand what went wrong and explore options for remedying the problem. Whether the solution requires legal interpretation, a court action, or referral to a professional consultant, we can help steer you in the right direction.

MCMILLAN METRO OFFERS YOU EXPERTISE IN:

Boundary Disputes
Building Code and Fire Code Issues
Development Standards
Frederick Board of Appeals Review
Frederick Planning Commission Applications
Forest Conservation Laws and Compliance
Historic Preservation Commission Applications and Review
Judicial Review and Administrative Appeals
Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Applications
Master Plan Amendments
Montgomery County Board of Appeals Review

Montgomery County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
Municipal Law and Appeals
Planning Board Applications
Plat Applications
Preliminary Plan Applications and Review
Resolving Permitting Issues, Denials, Revoked Permits
Re-Zoning Requests and Zoning Changes
Site Plan Amendments
Site Plan Review
Special Taxing Area Laws
Subdivision Plan Applications and Review
Water and Sewer Category Changes and Amendments