Tacoma Land Use Attorney

If you’re dealing with a land use issue in Tacoma, you may not know how to navigate the complex regulations and requirements. Combing through Tacoma’s zoning laws and petitioning for the right to use your land as you need can leave you overwhelmed.

Our Tacoma land use attorneys can guide you through the process and answer your questions. We can also serve as a dedicated legal advocate, fighting for your rights and interests to help you achieve the outcomes you seek.

The Tacoma land use lawyers at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess have extensive knowledge of the area’s land use laws and zoning requirements.

Whether you are a property owner, developer, or investor, a skilled Tacoma land use attorney from our firm can provide dedicated legal support to help you obtain permits, navigate environmental regulations, deal with rezoning processes, and more. We have the skills and experience to handle your situation effectively, and we’re committed to helping you obtain the favorable outcomes you expect and deserve.

Contact us today for a consultation by calling (253) 572-1000.

get in contact

Why Choose Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess for Your Tacoma Land Use Issues

Choosing the right real estate attorney in Tacoma is crucial. You need someone who not only has a deep understanding of local laws but also has a proven track record of success and strong negotiation skills. 

Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and comprehensive knowledge of Tacoma’s zoning laws and regulations.

We have helped hundreds of clients with their complex land use matters and other legal issues with a high rate of success. We are fully dedicated to our clients’ needs and helping them achieve their goals as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Our client testimonials show our commitment to delivering stellar client service.

Land use matters often involve negotiations with various parties, such as government entities, developers, and community stakeholders. Our attorneys possess excellent negotiation skills. We will advocate for your interests and find mutually beneficial solutions to achieve optimal results.

By working with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, you’ll have regular access to a legal professional who will provide effective legal representation and work tirelessly to safeguard your interests. Having one of our experienced Tacoma land use lawyers on your side can make all the difference in your case.

What Can a Land Use Attorney Do for Me?

A land use planning attorney can help in various situations, especially when dealing with complex legal matters related to real estate development, zoning, and land use regulations.

Here are some scenarios where the assistance of a land use planning attorney can prove invaluable:

• Zoning and Permitting Issues: If you are planning to develop or use a property for a specific purpose, and you encounter challenges related to zoning regulations or permitting requirements, a land use planning attorney can help navigate the regulatory landscape.
• Land Use Disputes: When disputes arise over land use matters, such as property rights, zoning changes, or development restrictions, a land use planning attorney can represent you in negotiations, mediation, or legal proceedings to protect your interests.
• Appeals and Variances: If your zoning application or permit is denied, or if you need a variance to deviate from standard zoning requirements, a land use planning attorney can assist with the appeals process or seeking variances.
• Environmental Compliance: Development projects often involve environmental considerations. A land use planning attorney can help ensure compliance with environmental regulations, conduct environmental impact assessments, and address related legal issues.
• Community Engagement: When community engagement is crucial for a development project, a land use planning attorney can facilitate communication with local communities, neighborhood groups, and government agencies. They can help address concerns, negotiate agreements, and navigate public hearings.
• Land Development Agreements: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating land development agreements is a critical role of a land use planning attorney. These agreements may involve conditions, restrictions, and obligations related to the development of a property.
• Due Diligence: Before you purchase or develop a property, a land use planning attorney can conduct due diligence to identify potential legal issues, restrictions, and liabilities associated with the land.
• Government Relations: Engaging with local government officials, planning departments, and zoning boards is often part of the land use planning process. A land use planning attorney can advocate on your behalf, attend public hearings, and navigate the bureaucratic procedures involved.
• Policy Advocacy: If you seek changes in local zoning or land use policies that would benefit your project, a land use planning attorney can engage in policy advocacy. This may involve participating in the legislative process or working with policymakers to shape regulations.
• Real Estate Transactions: In real estate transactions, especially those involving complex development projects, having a land use planning attorney can ensure that the legal aspects of the transaction are properly addressed, and potential issues are identified and resolved.

Along with providing legal representation, an intangible benefit a land use attorney can offer you is peace of mind. You won’t have to deal with the stress and burden of searching for answers, navigating the legal process, and confronting opposing parties. You can leave those up to your attorney while you focus on other important matters in your life.

By choosing Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, you can rest easier knowing a knowledgeable and dedicated legal professional is working diligently for you and keeping you updated along the way.

What Are Common Land Use Disputes in Tacoma?

Land use disputes can arise in various situations, often involving conflicts between property owners, developers, local government entities, and community members. Some common land use disputes in Tacoma include:

Zoning Disputes

• Nonconforming Use: Disputes may arise when a property owner wants to use their land in a way that doesn’t conform to existing zoning regulations.
• Zoning Changes: Communities may face disagreements when local authorities propose changes to zoning ordinances that impact property values or intended land use.

Permitting Issues

• Permit Denial: Property owners or developers may challenge the denial of permits required for construction, renovation, or specific land uses.
• Conditional Use Permits: Conflicts may occur over the granting or denial of conditional use permits, especially when there are concerns about the impact on the neighborhood.

Environmental Concerns

• Environmental Impact: Disputes can arise when there are concerns about the environmental impact of a proposed development, leading to legal challenges or public opposition.
• Wetlands and Conservation: Conflicts may occur over the development or preservation of wetlands and conservation areas.

Property Rights

• Eminent Domain: Property owners may challenge government actions involving eminent domain, where the government acquires private property for public use.
• Nuisance Claims: Disputes may arise when one property owner alleges that a neighboring property’s use constitutes a nuisance, impacting their enjoyment of their own property.

Historic Preservation

• Historic Designation: Property owners may dispute the designation of their property as historically significant, which can impose restrictions on alterations or demolition.
• Adaptive Reuse: Conflicts may arise when attempting to repurpose or redevelop historic properties, especially if there are disagreements about preserving certain features.

Community Opposition

• Public Hearings: Development projects may face opposition during public hearings where community members express concerns about the impact on the neighborhood, traffic, or property values.
• Community Planning: Conflicts may arise when there are differences in opinion regarding community master plans and development goals.

Land Access and Boundaries

• Easement Disputes: Conflicts may occur over the use of easements, such as disputes between neighbors regarding access rights.
• Boundary Disputes: Disagreements about property boundaries can lead to legal actions between neighboring property owners.

Affordable Housing

• Inclusionary Zoning: Conflicts may arise in communities with inclusionary zoning policies as developers and local governments navigate requirements for affordable housing units in new developments.

Telecommunication Facilities

• Placement of Towers: Disputes may occur over the location and permitting of telecommunication towers, especially when neighboring property owners oppose their installation.

Landlord-Tenant Disputes

• Land Use and Lease Compliance: Conflicts may arise when tenants or landlords believe that the use of a property violates zoning laws or lease agreements.

These disputes often involve complex legal and regulatory considerations, and parties may seek resolution through negotiations, mediation, or legal proceedings, depending on the nature and severity of the conflict. 

Engaging with a land use attorney early in the process can help parties understand their rights, explore potential resolutions, and navigate the legal complexities involved in land use disputes.

Dealing With Land Use and Planning Issues is Complex and Nuanced

Dealing with challenges in land use planning is complex. It requires a strategic and informed approach, considering various stakeholders’ interests, regulatory frameworks, and community dynamics.

If the interests of others clash with yours, it can create a precarious situation that requires not only legal knowledge but the right mindset and demeanor to not escalate the matter and resolve it appropriately.

If the government is telling you that you can’t do something with your land or property, you may feel affronted and frustrated. However, you have rights, and you need to understand them and know how to assert them properly to get the desired results.

That’s another reason why working with an attorney is so important. They can advise you and help develop general strategies for addressing challenges in land use planning.  They can also provide a steady hand and cool head when emotions run high.

It’s important to understand that all land use cases have a process. This process can take time, and you may feel that you’re going around in circles. Don’t despair. Our attorneys have handled numerous land use cases in Tacoma and throughout our region. We know how to deal with government and private entities and can create compelling arguments on your behalf.

What Are the Consequences of Not Addressing a Land Use Issue?

Failing to address a land use issue can have various consequences, impacting individuals, communities, and the overall development landscape.

Here are some potential consequences of neglecting or avoiding resolution of land use problems:

• Fines and Penalties: Violating land use regulations can result in fines and penalties imposed by local authorities. This can be a financial burden on property owners or developers.
• Injunctions and Stop Work Orders: Non-compliance with zoning laws may lead to the issuance of injunctions or stop work orders, halting ongoing construction or development activities.
• Community Backlash: Ignoring community concerns or failing to address issues raised during the planning process can lead to public opposition and community discontent. Additionally, unresolved land use issues may result in negative public perception, damaging relationships with the community and potentially affecting future projects.
• Legal Battles: If land use issues escalate, they may result in prolonged legal battles, causing significant delays and increasing overall project costs.
• Redesign and Revisions: Failure to address early concerns may necessitate project redesign or revisions, leading to additional expenses.
• Environmental Impact: Ignoring environmental considerations or circumventing regulations may result in adverse environmental impacts, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources.
• Loss of Property Value: Non-compliance with zoning regulations or unresolved land use issues can lead to diminished property values for affected properties and neighboring areas.

Not dealing with a land use issue can have other consequences as well. To avoid or mitigate negative consequences, you need dependable, skilled legal representation to assert your rights and seek the best resolution through appropriate methods.

Tacoma Land Use FAQ

Q: What Should I Do if Someone Violates My Property Rights?

Do not confront them. Take pictures and document the violation, call the police, and contact an attorney.

Q: What Are My Options for Handling a Land Use Dispute in Tacoma?

You may have several options available, including negotiation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Your best course of action is to contact a local land use attorney for advice and assistance in handling the matter.

Q: Can I Use a Tax Map Instead of a Survey to Determine Property Boundaries?

No. A survey provides the most accurate assessment of property boundaries. A tax map is used only for identifying parcels for tax purposes.

Q: Who Should I Call About a Tacoma Land Use Dispute?

Call an attorney in Tacoma who handles land use cases. Our team of land use attorneys is ready to field your questions and advise you of your rights and options.

Contact a Tacoma Land Use Attorney Today

You can save yourself an enormous amount of time and stress when navigating Tacoma’s land use laws and regulations and resolving a land use dispute by letting a legal professional handle the legwork for you.

Whether you’re dealing with zoning challenges, permitting issues, eminent domain, environmental concerns, or anything else, we have you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess at (253) 572-1000 for a confidential consultation and let us help you achieve your goals.

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess – Tacoma Office

Address: 1200 East D Street

Tacoma, WA 98421

Phone: (253) 299-8116