KP Law’s land use practice is unparalleled in the Commonwealth. Land use is a diverse practice area that includes zoning, subdivision control, wetlands, historic resources and health and environmental law. The firm’s seasoned practitioners emphasize the practice of preventive law.
We strive to resolve disputes through creative negotiation and without litigation, when that can be done without sacrifice to the letter and spirit of the applicable laws and our clients’ objectives. When litigation becomes necessary, however, the firm’s clients have the advantage of representation by highly experienced and effective litigators who routinely practice at all levels of state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Our record of trial and appellate victories on issues of concern to land use boards and officials throughout the Commonwealth is unmatched.
The land use practice provides counseling by means of formal written opinions, informal guidance, and expert negotiation of land development proposals. In addition to counseling our clients and litigating on their behalf, we are committed to educating municipal boards and officers through frequent seminars and legal memoranda on timely land use topics. Due to the complexity of land development, we frequently team with the firm’s attorneys in other related practice areas, including litigation, real estate, public contracts and tax title, to combine relevant skills and expertise to better meet client needs.
The firm’s primary land use practice areas are:
- Code Enforcement, State and Local
- Comprehensive Permits – G.L. c.40B
- Health and Environmental Permitting
- Historic Preservation on the Local, Regional and State levels
- Legislative Drafting
- Local law
- General Bylaws/Ordinances
- Specialized and innovative local laws, e.g. – Demolition Delay, Dark Sky Preservation, Waterfowl Control
- Zoning Bylaws/Ordinances
- State Special Acts
- Local law
- Subdivision Control Law
- Approval Not Required Process
- Subdivision Plan Review
- Subdivision Regulations
- Wetlands, State and Local
- Appeals
- Enforcement
- Project review
- Drafting Bylaws, Regulations
- Zoning – G.L. c.40A
- Adoption and Amendment
- Enforcement
- Exemptions, Exceptions and Grandfathering
- Site Plan
- Special Permits, Variances
- Smart Growth Initiatives – G.L. c.40R and c.40S