There are over 66 million acres of developed land in the United States. With so much land available in our country, governments at all levels developed laws to regulate its use.

This is where land-use and zoning laws come in. Municipalities use these regulations to control how land development and uses around the country.

So, what really is land-use regulation, why do we need them, and what are their associated challenges?

That’s what our Cotati foreclosure lawyers are here to answer today. Let’s find out more about land-use regulations in the Cotati area, why we need them, and what they are.

What Are Zoning Regulations?

The term zoning mainly refers to dividing land into separate uses. This includes commercial, residential, and industrial districts, otherwise known as zones.

These different zones place certain restrictions on how people use certain land. It also keeps areas uniform in terms of what you can see or do there. These restrictions include, but are not limited to:

  • Room numbers
  • Size of buildings
  • Height of buildings
  • Building setbacks

You’ll see zoning regulations manifest in many other ways. Sometimes they restrict whether buildings can be single-family homes or multi-family dwellings. Lot restrictions are often imposed on buildings through zoning regulations as well.

There are certainly people who aren’t fond of land-use regulations, which is to say these rules aren’t always perfect. With that said, it’s important to understand why they exist and the roles they play in our everyday lives.

Why Do We Need Land-Use Regulation in Cotati?

It’s easy to assume that land-use regulations and zoning are extremely restrictive and obtrusive. However, land-use regulations aren’t necessarily meant to control buildings and houses.

Rather, their purpose is to guide future development. Most California municipalities, including in Cotati, have dedicated planning departments that guide master plans that have a very long-term scope.

This means planners map out the streets, developments become subdivided, and block out space for specific public utilities

As such, there are clear benefits of land-use regulation. Effective zoning regulations can make better use of urban space. When certain zones are placed next to each other, it can create more walkable and sustainable communities.

Land-use regulation is needed so that families, businesses, and public spaces all have a space to thrive.

Challenges With Land-Use Regulation

With all that said, zoning and land-use aren’t walks in the park. For starters, each municipality usually has a large set of land-use laws.

If you’re looking to invest in real estate or own a business in Cotati, it can feel like you’re tip-toeing around regulations. If you do infringe on zoning codes, you have to file appeals and argue your case.

Hiring a real estate lawyer is crucial to get through these challenges. Knowing the challenge of bureaucracy is key to understanding how land-use regulation affects you.

Leverage Land-Use Regulation Knowledge in Cotati

Investing in real estate in Cotati, or anywhere in the state, means you have to navigate the complex world of land-use regulations. Use this guide to help you understand why they exist and their associated challenges.

Looking for reliable real estate and foreclosure lawyers in California? Contact us today and we’ll provide the right solution for you.