Land Use

Overview

Legal Insights & Analysis

Representative Matters

Overview

Shaping Communities, Guiding Development, Securing Approvals

At DarrowEverett, our Land Use Practice Group provides comprehensive legal services for property development and land use matters. We help clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape, offering practical solutions to achieve their development goals while complying with applicable laws and regulations.

What We Do

Zoning and Permitting

We help clients obtain zoning approvals, variances, special permits, and site plan reviews. Our team works closely with local and state agencies to streamline and expedite the process, minimizing delays.

Real Estate Development

From concept to completion, we provide legal support for development projects of all sizes. Our services include due diligence, land use approvals, and representation before planning and zoning boards.

Environmental Compliance

Environmental regulations can impact development projects significantly. We assist clients with compliance, permitting, and resolving disputes related to environmental concerns such as wetlands, endangered species, and stormwater management.

Land Use Litigation

When disputes arise, we represent clients in administrative hearings, court proceedings, and appeals involving zoning decisions, permit denials, and other land use matters.

Adverse Possession

When a neighbor is occupying your property, we can assist with defending your rights to keep your property as your own. Additionally, we can assist if you have used a neighbor’s property as your own.

Easements and Right-of-Way Issues

We assist with property access and usage matters to avoid disputes.

Eminent Domain and Takings

We counsel property owners and developers facing eminent domain actions, ensuring just compensation and defending against unlawful takings.

Historic Preservation and Conservation Compliance

We navigate regulations related to historic properties can be challenging. We provide guidance on compliance, obtaining necessary approvals, and integrating preservation requirements into development plans.

Public-Private Partnerships (P3s)

We assist in structuring agreements between public and private entities for development projects, ensuring that both parties achieve their objectives while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Why Choose Us?

Expertise You Can Rely On: Our attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of local, state, and federal land use regulations, helping you avoid common pitfalls and achieve your goals efficiently.
Strong Relationships: We have established relationships with zoning boards, planning commissions, and other regulatory authorities, giving your project a distinct advantage.
Customized Solutions: Every project is unique. We tailor our approach to address your specific challenges, offering innovative solutions that align with your objectives.
Proven Track Record: With years of experience and numerous successful projects, we have the expertise to guide you through even the most complex land use matters.

Practice Leader

Kelley Morris Salvatore - Partner

Kelley Morris Salvatore is a Partner in DarrowEverett’s Land Use, Business Litigation and Energy & Infrastructure Practice Groups with over 25 years of experience. She concentrates her practice in the…

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Legal Insights & Analysis

Massachusetts Zoning Bylaws Update: DOER Pushes for Consistency in Solar

By Benjamin M. Peters

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Across the United States, zoning is highly inconsistent, even within the same state. Fewer than…

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Representative Matters

We secured master plan approval for a proposed 275-unit apartment community in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to be developed on underutilized property. Thirty percent of the units will be designated as affordable housing, helping to align with Rhode Island’s evolving housing development framework. We advised the developer throughout the master plan approval process, helping navigate...

We achieved preliminary plan approval to repurpose a former school and construct a new residential building in Rhode Island, creating 51 units of 100% low- and moderate-income senior housing under a comprehensive permit application.

We successfully obtained master plan approval for a mixed-use development featuring 48,000 square feet of commercial space and 218 residential units, along with a town council-approved zone change creating a special planned district to support the project.

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