Hot Springs Land Use Attorney

Arkansas lawyers guide property developers in zoning and planning matters

When you wish to develop, repurpose or otherwise make changes to property in Arkansas, you must comply with local ordinances and state and federal regulations governing how the land can be used. A misstep can cost you significantly in terms of money, time and potential penalties. At the law firm of Schnipper, Briton & Stobaugh, a knowledgeable Hot Springs land use attorney can provide you with guidance in all aspects of commercial and residential property acquisition, permitting and other aspects of government compliance, 

Common land use challenges our attorneys resolve

Our attorneys assist with the full spectrum of issues concerning land use development, including the following:

• Zoning and planning restrictions — We help property owners and developers comply with government rules dictating how land can be used and what structures can be built.
• Permits and approvals — We assist in obtaining necessary permits for construction or development projects. We also advocate for clients before zoning boards, planning commissions or in court to resolve disputes or gain project approvals.
• Environmental compliance — We ensure that projects meet state and federal strictures, including environmental impact assessments.
• Strategic planning — We provide our clients legal insights concerning land purchases or sales, advising on best practices for compliance with land use laws and minimizing potential conflicts. 

We also know how to deal with special concerns such as infrastructure limitations, historic preservation and community opposition. Whatever challenge you may face, we will strive to help you reach the most satisfactory solution. 

Zoning and land use regulations in Arkansas

Zoning ordinances address the type of uses allowed in particular areas of a municipality, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural or mixed use. They also govern height, size and placement of buildings, density of construction, setback requirements and provisions for special purposes. Land use regulations address such issues as protection of natural resources, control of pollutants and management of flood zones. Our Hot Springs commercial real estate lawyers can address your questions about zoning and land use in Garland County or other locations you are considering. 

Land development and permitting

Once the suitability of the land for the particular project is established, you must submit site and construction plans to the appropriate government office for approval. Building permits and other permissions may need to be obtained, and at time variances may be required. We can assist with all of the legal matters surrounding commercial or residential land purchase and development so that your project can proceed in the smoothest way possible. 

Easements and rights of way

Easements allow use or access of land owned by another party for specific purposes, such as a right of way to gain access to a road. They can be granted explicitly but also can arise based on long-term open use without objection by the owner. Disputes over an easement often arise if the property owner seeks to interrupt it or if the easement is discovered in the course of selling the property. We are skilled at conducting thorough searches to spot the existence and extent of easements and at negotiating fair resolutions of disputes in order to protect our clients’ interests.

Property disputes and litigation

In addition to easement disputes, our law firm has extensive experience with cases involving:

• Boundary disagreements — These arise when neighbors are in conflict about where their properties begin and end. 
• Nuisance claims — A property owner may claim that activity on a neighboring property interferes with their enjoyment of their own property. 
• Eminent domain — Eminent domain law allows the government to take possession of private property for use by the public, a process known as condemnation. 

Sometimes we can resolve property disputes outside of the courtroom. In other cases, we must seek a remedy through litigation. We will work to get you the most favorable outcome in any situation. 

Contact an Arkansas land use lawyer with your property development concerns 

Our attorneys at the Hot Springs firm of Schnipper, Briton & Stobaugh represent Arkansas property developers and owners in land use and zoning disputes. To speak with an attorney, call 501-762-0887 or contact us online.