Varnum has become a trusted advisor to real estate and manufacturing developers. Our work extends to governmental entities because of our depth of knowledge in real estate, zoning and other regulatory matters, municipal law and environmental issues. We provide the full range of legal services in the areas of land use, development, condemnation, municipal law and construction. Our firm also counsels in issues of design, entitlements, government consulting, acquisition and risk management.
We represent clients in connection with zoning compliance, variances, preparation of ordinances, drainage and runoff issues, wetlands regulation, condemnation and historic preservation issues. Small businesses, major developers and municipalities rely on our skills and knowledge for projects and land use planning.
Our clients include retail developers, restaurant chains, petroleum companies, office park developers, single-family subdividers, industrial developers, mobile home park developers, and multiple residential and hotel developers. We occasionally represent cities and other municipalities in zoning, land use and condemnation matters, and revisions to master plans and zoning ordinances.
Land Use Planning
Land use planning has many aspects:
- Zoning requirements and seeking variances
- Pre-acquisition planning and due diligence
- The condemnation process
- Strategies to optimize land use
- Urban growth and urban planning
- Environmental risk analysis
- Special circumstances and situations
We work with clients to find solutions to problems with municipalities and other regulatory agencies on a non-adversarial basis. However, if litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to advance our client's interest. Condemnation is one area in which litigation is often necessary.