Land Use & Zoning

When it comes to land-use regulations in California, two concepts are often misunderstood: zoning modifications and rezoning. While both can result in a change to a property's zoning designation, they are very different processes.  Knowing the difference between the...

When in business, you know the adage, “Location, location, location!” Unfortunately, securing the best location in or around Santa Rosa, California, can be complex and expensive. You must find properties that will work for your business and act fast before someone...

You’ve had an idea for a business going around in your head for some time. You’ve finally put everything into place so that you can act on this vision and establish your company.  You have contacts and a team in mind, and you’re nearly set to go. All that’s left is to...

There are cases where a business may seek to have a zone changed, or they may apply for a variance so that they do not have to adhere to the zone. In some cases, this will happen when a new business is coming into the location, and they want to use the land in a way...

It can take a long time to find the right piece of real estate. You may then invest considerable sums of money and a lot of time and effort in adapting it to your needs. Hence, whether you use it for commercial or residential purposes, it can come as a hammer blow to...

An easement is a way for someone else to have access to land for a certain type of use even though they don’t own that land. It doesn’t change the ownership at all, but it is also a binding agreement. For example, perhaps a piece of real estate was cut off from the...

Are you thinking of expanding your business to a new location? If so, it's essential to be aware of the zoning laws in your area. What do you need to know about zoning laws, and how can they affect your plans? How zoning laws impact communities Zoning laws protect...

You're interested in buying a new property as your business expands. You've identified a building that would be perfect, and the location looks very good. You want to move forward with the purchase. However, there is an easement on the land. This means that someone...

Zoning laws across the state of California help protect communities and property owners. Zoning laws create limits on how people or businesses can use or develop a piece of property. Through the creation of those limits, local government entities can prevent an...

When you’re planning to develop a piece of property into a worthwhile venture, an area’s zoning can play a critical role in your entrepreneurial success. That’s what makes it so important to understand the difference between commercial and industrial zoning. They’re...