Land Use & Variances

Los Angeles Land Use and Variance Attorney

At the Law Offices of Jeffrey Williams, we use diplomacy, effective advocacy, and sound judgment and to meet clients’ needs in a variety of issues related to land use. We are sensitive to the costs of litigation and work hard to avoid trial where possible.

Real Estate Attorney Jeffrey Williams is here to help landowners, homeowners, and owners of commercial or business properties with the fundamental issues related to the appropriate and legal use of their most valuable Real Estate assets. We assist clients with issues related to commercial and residential land use as well as with agricultural land use questions.

We assist property owners with:

Responding to “Red Tag” Violations

A “Red Tag” is a notice of violation from the city or county that the landowner or homeowner has done something on their property that is not permitted, such as grading without a permit or building without a permit. Real Estate Attorney Jeffrey Williams is an experienced Real Estate Lawyer and can assist you in negotiating with the city or county for an optimum outcome that will often take into account your land, building and financial concerns in the solution.

Correcting a red tag violation can be very expensive and time consuming – especially if the code enforcement people know that you are standing alone and without legal representation as you negotiate the lifting of the red tag situation. Allow Attorney Williams to help you navigate the process to make it as speedy and cost-effective as possible. Since the government agency issuing the red tag can file a lawsuit to ensure that corrective action is taken – often using their already-paid-for, in-house legal staff, it is prudent to have the advice and assistance of an experienced attorney so that they are less-likely to take such harsh action – saving you stress, money, and perhaps even your very property and cash equity in that property.

Zoning, Variances, Rezoning and Permitting Representation

Real Estate Attorney Jeffrey Williams can effectively represent individuals and businesses before regulatory boards, planning commissions, city councils, county boards, and courts in matters of rezoning and land use.

Most local oversight boards, are often comprised of a mix of local citizens, elected officials, and government staff. We have found that these people will pay more attention to individuals and businesses who are represented by legal counsel. We can only presume that these citizen-volunteers, staff, and local officials KNOW that you are more serious, and possibly more dangerous for them if they are to shelve, postpone, decline, or  ignore your request or assertions – as they might end up being named in a follow-up lawsuit if they don’t take you and your request seriously. That potential for a legal escalation will not help them in their business or political aspirations, for what could be approved or negotiated right there on the spot in a business-like manner. Whatever the reasons, our clients are often very well-served and more effective before zoning, variance, planning commissions, and similar boards when they are represented by competent legal counsel.

Variances, Planning Commissions, Conditional Use Permits

We help landowners and potential buyers seek variances for property uses currently not permitted, such as the addition of detached home offices, barns, out-buildings, tennis courts, or guest-houses, often called: accessory dwelling units (“ADU or “granny units”).

We also help landowners apply for conditional use permits which, under certain conditions, allow landowners to use of their property in a way not originally permitted. Obtaining a conditional use permit is a meticulous process that sometimes requires the involvement of a land use consultant and the local planning department.

Avoiding Trial When Possible

Sometimes land use issues must be litigated. However, in most cases we are able to resolve the issues short of trial. California law is clear on many land use issues, such as boundary fences, and a consultation with Real Estate Attorney Jeffrey Williams can give you a good understanding of your options, rights, and responsibilities.