Zoning & Land Use

Hancock & Estabrook, LLP represents municipalities and applicants with regard to all aspects of zoning and land use matters.

We assist clients in obtaining all necessary municipal approvals for projects through the municipal planning boards, zoning boards of appeals and historic preservation boards. Additionally, we represent local municipal planning boards, zoning boards of appeal and historic preservation boards to ensure compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws. Our experience in handling matters before these boards, as well as representing these boards, provides a unique perspective on land use regulations. We are often retained as special counsel to assist clients through the intricacies of the State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") process, including litigation, if necessary, associated with SEQRA compliance. We have successfully challenged and defended municipal approvals in Article 78 proceedings in State Court.

Our recent clients and projects include:

• Site Plan, Special Permit approvals and Certificates of Appropriateness for projects ranging from signs and parking lots to multi-million dollar renovations;
• Special Counsel to numerous municipalities, school districts, and applicants in completing the SEQRA process;
• Certificates of Approval from local community preservation panels and historic preservation boards;
• Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP);
• Subdivision approvals; and
• Successfully guided municipalities through the SEQRA process with regard to various wind energy projects.

We remain cognizant of the political factors, media focus and potential litigation which could effect our clients and the projects at issue. We have the expertise and knowledge to tailor specific strategies to help our clients achieve their goals.