Land Use Law

Experienced Land Use Attorneys in Santa Cruz

At the law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law, we use diplomacy, sound judgment and effective advocacy to meet clients' needs in a variety of issues related to land use. We are sensitive to the costs of litigation and work hard to avoid trial where possible.

For more than 30 years, we have maintained a land use practice to help landowners, homeowners, and owners of commercial or business property with the fundamental issues related to the appropriate and legal use of their most valuable assets. We assist clients with issues related to commercial and residential land use as well as with agricultural land use questions. Contact us today and discover how we can help you.

We assist property owners with:

  • Obtaining certificates of compliance
  • "Red tag" violations
  • Land use litigation
  • Construction disputes
  • Development disputes
  • Zoning disputes
  • Disputes with adjoining land owners over easements, encroachment, property and boundary lines, boundary fences, and rights of way

Responding to "Red Tag" Violations

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. Our lawyers have handled many red tag cases in the Central Coast region of California.

Correcting a red tag violation can be very expensive and time consuming. Allow our attorneys to help you navigate the process to make it as speedy and cost-effective as possible. Since the government agency issuing the red tag can file a lawsuit to ensure corrective action is taken, it is prudent to have the advice and assistance of an experienced attorney.

Zoning, Variances, Rezoning and Permitting Representation

We effectively represent individuals and businesses before regulatory boards, planning commissions, city councils, county boards, and courts in matters of rezoning and land use. We help landowners and potential buyers seek variances for property uses currently not permitted, such as the addition of a accessory dwelling unit ("ADU or "granny unit").

We also help landowners apply for conditional use permits which, under certain conditions, allow landowners to use of their property in a way not originally permitted. Obtaining a conditional use permit is a meticulous process that sometimes requires the involvement of a land use consultant and the local planning department.

Avoiding Trial When Possible

Sometimes land use issues need to be litigated. However, in most cases we are able to resolve the issues short of trial. California law is clear on many land use issues, such as boundary fences, and a half-hour consultation with a lawyer can give you a good understanding of your rights and responsibilities.

Contact Us Today

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