Land Use Law & Litigation

Santa Cruz Land-Use Attorney

Our law firm's land-use practice assists landowners, homeowners, and owners of commercial or business property on matters such as:

Re-zoning and land use disputes
Red tag violations
Disputes with adjoining land owners over easements, encroachment, property line and boundary line disputes, boundary fences, and right of ways
Disputes over development
Construction disputes
Land Use litigation

Our lawyers have handled many red tag cases in the Central Coast region of California. A "red tag" is a notice of violation from the city or county that the landowner or homeowner has done something on their property that is not permitted (such as grading without a permit or building without a permit), which they need to correct. Correcting a red tag violation can be a very expensive and time-consuming process. Allow our attorneys to help you navigate the process to make it as speedy and cost-effective as possible. Since the government agency that issued the red tag can file lawsuits to assure that corrective action is taken, it is prudent to have the advice and assistance of an attorney.

Our lawyers also provide effective representation to individuals and businesses before regulatory boards, planning commissions, city councils, county boards, and courts in matters of rezoning and land-use issues. We represent landowners who are seeking a variance for a use they want to make of property that isn't a permitted use. Our lawyers also help landowners seek conditional use permits. A conditional use permit allows landowners to make use of their property that is not necessarily the principal permitted use, but under certain conditions will be allowed. Obtaining a conditional use permit is an extensive process that requires the involvement of a land-use consultant and the local planning department.

Sometimes land-use issues need to be litigated. However, in most cases our lawyers are able to resolve the issues short of litigation. On many land-use matters (such as boundary fences), California law is very clear, and a half hour consultation with a lawyer can give you a good summary of your rights and responsibilities.

Avoid expensive litigation. Contact a land-use lawyer at the Santa Cruz law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law, for sensible legal advice and satisfying results.