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Zoning on Home Conversions

It is almost always possible to convert uses for portions of your home such as basements or garages. For the most part a simple conversion of a basement or garage into a living room, game room, or other usable space will not require a permit or draw the attention of local housing authorities. However, depending on the nature and extent of the changes you intend to make, you may need to get building permits from a local housing or construction authority, or a variance from zoning laws.

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What Land Uses Do Zoning Laws Regulate?

Zoning laws regulate a number of different things. They may indicate exactly what can be done with a given piece of land. For example, a residential zone must have only residential houses, while you cannot typically live in a commercial zone.

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Zoning Laws for Unrelated People Living Together in the Same House

Yes, there can be a zoning ordinance against unrelated people living together. Any zoning ordinance that attempts to restrict unrelated individuals from living together must be able to clearly explain why a certain number of unrelated people can’t live together, define what the law means by the terms unrelated and living together, and what the penalties are.

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Enforcing a Zoning Ordinance

If you find that a nearby or neighboring property owner is in violation of the local zoning ordinance, then you have a variety of options. You can either attempt to settle the matter by explaining the zoning ordinance to the property owner, or you can pursue legal remedy by filing a zoning complaint with the local zoning authority. Consult an attorney familiar with the relevant zoning ordinance to make sure you properly understand the law, the violation, and your available remedies.

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How My Property is Zoned

With rare exception, property is governed by local zoning law that restricts its use. Although zoning law can differ across communities, the general purpose of zoning is to maintain neighborhood uniformity by grouping similar property uses together into zones. Because zoning controls what a property owner can and cannot do with their land, it is important to understand how your property is zoned, and what uses are permitted.

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Obtaining a Variance on Property

When unusual circumstances make it difficult for a property owner to comply with local zoning laws, cities and counties may grant what are known as variances to allow property owners to circumvent the traditional zoning laws in an area. A variance is a form of equitable relief that allows a property owner to bypass local zoning laws so they can use their land in the most efficient manner possible.

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