Land Use and Development

Concord Real Estate Attorney

From 1960 to 2004, New Hampshire's population more than doubled from approximately 600,000 to over 1.3 million residents. Today, the state grows by about 14,500 new residents every year. (U.S. Census, OEP, Bartlett) This not only adds more than 7,100 new households annually, it translates to many new and expanded commercial, industrial and retail businesses that serve our growing population.

As a result of the growth, every year many parcels of land are sub-divided into two and three acre lots for new homes and more commercial and retail development continues to spring up along major roadways and connecting communities.

With growth comes change and many New Hampshire communities desire to establish a balance where they can grow or reduce the tax rate while maintaining the characteristics that distinguish one town from the next and that maintain the regional characteristics of New England.

The principals of land use and development include planning for economic development, planning to ensure long term value and sustainability of the environment for future generations, good planning applied to local decisions that maximize public benefits and contribute to a greater quality of life, and lastly, the establishment of prosperous and livable communities with excellent transportation systems that provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

Concord Real Estate Attorney

At Hebert & Dolder, PLLC., our Concord real estate attorneys are intimately familiar with all applicable laws related to land use and development. Our attorney, Maria Dolder has authored several legal articles that address topics such as variances and special exceptions, nonconforming uses, and challenging or appealing an administrative zoning decision.

In 1983 the state of New Hampshire authorized towns and cities to use innovative land use controls to address various complex planning issues. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, it can be difficult for citizens and developers to understand how to use them. Since these laws give the municipalities a great deal of power and authority, it's important to seek legal advice in such matters.

As someone vested in a real estate transaction, it's important to be mindful of the legal requirements to comply with local zoning ordinances. Also, granting relief from specific zoning requirements differs substantially between the different zoning ordinances and subdivision and site plan regulations.

With our assistance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your developments comply with all local and state regulations; therefore, reducing your chances of inadvertently making any costly business decisions.