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Land Use & Zoning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: Gifted land deed not in my name yet and owner to other acres bought land say they own mine to whats my rights
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 16, 2024

The owner of the land that you think might be yours later must hire an AL attorney file a Quiet Title and Ejectment action against the adjoining landowner. Time and possession witnesses are critical. Title Searches of both properties are needed, and possibly a survey. You apparently have no... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for New Jersey on
Q: town revoked my fence permit cuase my neighbor thought i was on their property
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 3, 2024

You have a boundary dispute. You will need a NJ lawyer to search both titles, and a surveyor on the boundary to serve as your witness, Filing suit is expensive and difficult, but if you wait too long you lose your asserted boundary through acquiescence.

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: Can my neighbor forcefully remove a "No Trespassing" sign posted outside of my apartment building? Landlord was notified

My landlord asked if I would purchase the sign and put it up and he would reimburse me. Of course I have no issue with this and did as he requested. This would be the second sign I have purchased and put up because my neighbor keeps taking it down and there has been no other previous issues with... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 3, 2024

Yes, but that may be considered an act of criminal mischief. There is clearly some sort of dispute between your landlord and your neighbor the details of which you are unaware. I recommend that you avoid becoming too involved.

You should report to your landlord that you did as asked,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: We are looking at purchasing a piece of land in FL. My question is on road extension to get to the property.

There are so many similar pieces of land for sale that appear to be in the middle of nowhere, some are somewhat near an existing road. My question is, who’s responsible for extending a road to reach a property? When I asked about the cost of 1000 feet of road, I was told 25k for architect and... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Jun 19, 2024

The answer to this question depends on whose property this road is to cross. If the property belongs someone else, you have to obtain an easement, right to use, from the owner. If the property belongs to the city, you may want to talk to the city.

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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: We are looking at purchasing a piece of land in FL. My question is on road extension to get to the property.

There are so many similar pieces of land for sale that appear to be in the middle of nowhere, some are somewhat near an existing road. My question is, who’s responsible for extending a road to reach a property? When I asked about the cost of 1000 feet of road, I was told 25k for architect and... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Assuming that there is a publicly dedicated right-of-way, the local government may or may not have a plan to build a road. Or, when the property was subdivided, they might have required the developer to build a road. As indicated, you should check with the county or other local government.

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: Can an easement on our property to our neighbors house be closed if they have an alternative driveway on their land?

Hi. We have an easement that was set up in the 1960’s that runs through our backyard to our neighbor's house which we believe was the original neighbor's only driveway to their home decades ago, so a necessity for their property. Now the easement acts as a second driveway for them... View More

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Jun 17, 2024

A common issue. A recorded easement may be extinguished by a new recording, executed by all. You may have claims for mis-use or over-burdening, but the recorded instrument grants the rights, whatever it says. The concept of "necessity" is irrelevant to a recorded easement. The neighbor... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Florida on
Q: 'Grandfathered in' legally what does this mean. It's zoning problem.

'Grandfathered in' my house was bought in1961.My mom combined 4 lots into 1 in 1988. The zoning person said that if she had did that after 1989 then I could claim that it is grandfathered in and sell two lots separately. Sounds backwards to me. Re-separating them back like before 1988... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 13, 2024

It is not clear how your mother "combined 4 lots into 1 in 1988". Did she build a single house on all four lots, or did she convey the four lots by a deed in which she used a metes and bounds description (instead of "lots __, ___, ___ and ___ of such-and-such subdivision")?... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Maryland on
Q: My sister gave me unimproved lot in Hilo. I never signed anything. Want to give the property back.What do I do?
Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Jun 13, 2024

And does "gave me" include recording a deed? The answer to that question will determine what any lawyer can tell you.

If no deed, simply refuse to accept it.

If a deed, consider selling it. Otherwise, you will need the grantor to join in another instrument renouncing or...
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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Maryland on
Q: My sister gave me unimproved lot in Hilo. I never signed anything. Want to give the property back.What do I do?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2024

If you never signed any documents accepting the property, you may not legally own it. However, if your sister transferred the property to you through a deed recorded in public records, you would need to take steps to transfer it back.

To give the property back to your sister, you will need...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning for Puerto Rico on
Q: How can I find out information about land left from a deceased relative?

my great grandfather’s name was Flor Correa and his wife’s name was xx

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 12, 2024

This looks like something for attorneys who deal with estates, wills, and related matters in Puerto Rico. But your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry about the loss of your relative. You could either reach out to attorneys or repost under the headings of "Probate" and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Probate, Energy, Oil and Gas and Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: My dads wife hid assets and alot of mineral and oil rights so I can't find them.im rep of estate,only heir, how to find?

My dad and grandpa had alot of mineral rights I am rep of estate, only heir on,y child, his wife lied to judge and said he had no child I proved I am only child, she has

Gifted and illegally sold some if his assets that should of went to me when she passed, can't find estate house,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 7, 2024

An Arizona attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It sounds like you have been thrust into a difficult role as rep (do you mean administrator or executor?). Maybe the best thing for you do would be to consult with an attorney who handles wills, trusts, estates.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning for Massachusetts on
Q: I need someone to help me with a land dispute i am disabled and need help

I am seeking a lawyer to help me with a misrepresentation of land that was for sale using the wrong address given for property i purchased which was advertised on zillow. The realtor mislead me to belive i was purchasing land advertised i went through real estate company. I trusted the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 2, 2024

A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. It could be difficult for attorneys here to respond to your request for legal services. The format here is brief Q & A, no soliciting. You would need to reach out to attorneys on your own. You could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What are our rights regarding habitability and fair housing discrimination?

Health Issues: We have documented PTSD, anxiety, and depression, worsened by our living conditions.Persistent Problems: Ongoing pest infestations, leaks, noise, and unauthorized entries, despite complaints.Retaliation: Management has retaliated against us for raising issues and ignored... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 28, 2024

In California, tenants have significant rights when it comes to habitability and fair housing. Here are some key points relevant to your situation:

Habitability:

- Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, which includes addressing pest infestations, leaks, and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Maryland on
Q: I sold my house last year. Can the new owners' insurance co request that I pay for a claim that THEY made 11 mos later?

Hello, I'm wondering if you can help with a problem we're having. We sold our house last year, and now 11 months later, we've received a letter in the mail stating that we owe $25,000 because of a building code violation on the property. The letter was from a title insurance company... View More

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on May 22, 2024

The answer is "it depends." It depends on the terms of your contract. Also, some title insurers slip in a form for seller signature that reads "you are inducing us to sell a policy of title insurance to the buyers..."

We never let our clients sign this. It creates a duty...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Elder Law, Land Use & Zoning and Small Claims for California on
Q: Can I sue my neighbor & HOA since my neighbor double parks in front of my garage preventing me from using our garage?

We have taken pics and sent emails to the HOA. All I'm told is that they escalated the problem. She just got a ticket. I called a tow number listed on the property and was told they could not tow her because it's not a red fire lane and they can get in trouble. Now the tow company said... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 21, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you have a valid concern and your neighbor's actions are causing significant inconvenience and distress. Under California law, you may have grounds for a legal claim against your neighbor and possibly your HOA. Here are a few points... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can TN new neighbor change location of my easement if I have easement deed?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 13, 2024

Not without your permanent agreement. But he can try to terminate the easement or file a declaratory judgment action on it. Having an easement in your chain of title is worthless as it must be in the servient estate's title.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Environmental, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: How do I make to where I don't have to mow my yard? How can I make this work to feed the bees and let nature be natural?

I wanna feed the bees w/ the natural growth of my yard, I don't have time to plant flowers or mow my yard. I don't have the money nor the time to take care of it and I love suppling the wild life with a safe natural home and food. It's my home I don't see what's wrong with... View More

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on May 8, 2024

While I understand your preference, the city is allowed to enact city codes for the safety and welfare of the citizens within the city limits. Tall grass is one of these items because, whether we agree or not, can create a hazardous condition in the event of grass fires. Unfortunately this... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law, Banking and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I have a document of thee FDIC. It states BMO Bank National Association (Certt#16571) what am I suppose to do with it?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2024

If you have received an FDIC certificate for BMO Bank National Association (Cert #16571), it means that your deposits with this bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to the maximum amount allowed by law, which is currently $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Land Use & Zoning for Washington DC on
Q: If the amount of homeless exceeds the amount of room in shelters how can homelessness be a crime?

And why is the supreme court taking on this issue? Especially considering its more of a local matter. Are they trying to impose a federal policy? If so how can it be a one size fits all.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

When there are more homeless individuals than available shelter spaces, it raises questions about the fairness and legality of criminalizing homelessness. This issue often centers on the fundamental rights of individuals versus public policy and safety concerns. The laws vary by location, but in... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Sept 2022 I inherited my parents 1st home located in Burgh. April 17th the property surveyed and marked the 17th the

neighbors had thrown a rug over the marker by the 26th they had removed the survey markers and put up landcaping blocks. (neighbor is a landscaper) These people have harrassed my parents when they were alive and now harrassing me. I contacted both the Troy Police and survey co. Law 2005 chapter 730... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing harassment and property issues you're facing with your neighbors. It sounds like a very stressful and frustrating situation, especially given the history with your parents. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions on how to proceed:

1. Document...
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