Land use is the human modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as fields, pastures, and settlements.  In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, cities and towns are governed by various regulations, ordinances, and zoning designations.  Each designation, known as a parcel’s zoning, comes with a list of approved uses that can legally operate on the zoned parcel.  These approved uses can be found within a City or Town ordinance or within specifically drafted zoning regulations.   

MC Law provides our clients with assistance in all matters involving land use.  We work with landowners who are interested in developing their property or modifying an existing use of the property.  We also represent abutters that may be affected by a proposed use that has been proposed by a neighboring landowner.  An abutter is a person or entity whose property is adjacent (or in close proximity – usually within 200 feet) to the property of another.  We also specialize in other land use issues such as adverse possession, State Building Code (SBC) compliance, and trespass. 

        Typical clients with regard to this area of the law have included:

o       Residential and Commercial Property Owners and Developers

o       Property Owners looking to add a feature to their land

(additions, porches, access ramps, out-buildings, etc)

o       Abutters to proposed developments or alterations of land

o       Property Owners involved in land disputes (adverse possession, etc)