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Land Use & Zoning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for North Carolina on
Q: If I buy a house on 6 acres can I add other properties on the land and rent them out?

I'm selling my house in AZ and plan on moving to North Carolina, within an hour drive of Charlotte. If I buy a house on 6 acres can I build other houses on the land and rent them out?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

The ability to add additional properties on a 6-acre parcel and rent them out depends on the specific zoning regulations and land use restrictions imposed by the local jurisdiction in North Carolina. Zoning laws vary between municipalities, and they dictate how land can be used, including whether... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Mississippi on
Q: My father owned 160 acres of land in Mississippi. I have the deed. Racial discrimination ran us off of it. Wht can I do?

My uncle was shot and killed, and they tried to kill my dad and my brothers. So we had to pack up everything and leave. Our neighbors just didn’t want black neighbors at the time. This was around 1950 ,but I still have the deed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

Your situation is deeply troubling and highlights a painful part of history. Holding the deed to the land is significant, as it establishes a legal claim. First, you should confirm the current status of the property. This can be done by checking the latest property records in the county where the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Neighbor tried putting cardboard on my apartment window because I have a camera indoors facing our parking lot?

I wanted to share a situation with you. The window in my living room overlooks the apartment parking lot and my neighbor has scraped the back corner of my car while pulling out. She wouldn't admit she did it and blames it was something blocking her so she never denied hitting my car either so... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

Under California law, the actions of your neighbor may be considered a form of trespass or vandalism, especially if she is placing objects like cardboard on your property (in this case, the window of your apartment) without your consent. The act of obstructing your camera, which is set up for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can my neighbor get an easement on my property if I let them use our driveway for access and parking occasionally?

In winter our neighbor can not get up his own driveway because of ice ( it is too steep). We have a large paved driveway that is connected to theirs. We have been letting them drive up our driveway in winter and sometimes park on our side. We also allow him to use some of our land for snow storage... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

Under California law, your neighbor could potentially claim an easement by prescription on your property. This requires the use of your land to be open, notorious, continuous, and hostile for a period of five years. However, since you have permitted this use, it is not considered hostile, which is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Land Use & Zoning for Virginia on
Q: If there are two equal adjacent lots (A and B) to be developed into homes.

Lot A is owned by property owner #1 and Lot B is owned equally by property owner #1 and #2. If you build homes how should the development cost/profits from sales/shares work out?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 4, 2024

The short answer is "any way you want to." There are many choices. If you make no choices, the Uniform Partnership Act will make them for you, and you may not like its choices. Indeed, it won't be clear whether you have a partnership of the one property or of the two, and the one to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Animal / Dog Law for Tennessee on
Q: Livestock Roaming At Large Summons filed against my neighbor—Can I request restitution for damages to landscaping?

I presented landscaping pictures of before and after the poultry damaged the property via Email, including a video of chicken digging in. The Assistant DA refused to see the damages. Poultry repeated scratched for food for 3 months in our Landscaping and flower beds.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

If DA refuses to seek restitution, that is his discretion, not yours. If defendant convicted, then it is res judicata on the issue of property tort damage. But you will need to put on proof of money damages.

And you can file your own civil suit in General Sessions. However...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning for Georgia on
Q: I have 10.7 acres that I am currently building a home on. My neighbor has 30 roosters right beside the property line.

The roosters crow all day and night and are very audible inside my home. The county says it is agricultural land and there was nothing they could do. I would expect to have reasonable peace and quiet on my property. My wife works from home which is impossible now. I don’t mind hearing crowing... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 3, 2024

In Georgia, the use of the neighboring property for agricultural purposes, such as keeping roosters, may be protected under agricultural zoning regulations. Despite the noise disturbance caused by the roosters, local authorities have indicated that there may be limited actions they can take due to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Seller asked to leave shed on property for 30 days. It’s now after 30 days. Is it ours now?

We closed on a house Dec 1. We had an addendum written that states the seller can leave their shed for no more than 30 days, along with paying for removal and any damages. The problem is, they haven't picked up the shed and it is now over 30 days. Is it our shed now?

Unfortunately,... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

In Pennsylvania, the ownership of a shed left on a property after a specified period, as outlined in a contractual addendum, can be determined by the terms of the agreement. If the addendum explicitly states that the seller can leave the shed for no more than 30 days and that ownership transfers to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Contracts and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: how do i file a breeh of contract an demand for payment and lean on sed real property forth with .

a non lycenced contractor /bilder went into a writin contract with a home ower ,secured full payment, for work and materearls, and then no call no show by due date of sead work .

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

In California, if you're facing a situation where a contractor has breached a contract and failed to perform the agreed-upon work, you have several legal options. First, you should consider sending a formal demand letter to the contractor, outlining the breach and requesting the fulfillment of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Is it legal for a resort to lock us out from using our parking lot

We've had access to are parking lot for over 50 years then a resort came in and put up a gate that we use to enter our parking lot and they put a padlock on it to keep us locked out from accessing it,is that legal

It is the only way into our parking lot is through access off a main... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 1, 2024

Best to schedule a consultation with a attorney handling real estate disputes, as there are a few issues to be examined, such as: Was the former owner's permission formalized into a recorded easement? (An easement is a permitted through-way of someone else's land.) If no recorded... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Gov & Administrative Law for Indiana on
Q: IN Law: Is a school that’s been abandoned 10+ years still considered “school property” ?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 28, 2023

In Indiana, the status of a property as "school property" is typically determined by its legal designation and ownership, rather than its current use. If a school has been officially abandoned and is no longer owned or maintained by an educational institution, it may no longer be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Municipal Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Needing to understand the effect of part of a Municipal Zoning Ordinance, California.

"but excluding the last sentence of subsection 10.40.070.D.E, subsections 10.40.120.A.3.e and f, subsection 10.40.130.H and subsection 10.40.140.E.1.b which are not applicable" My question concerns the first part "10.40.070.D.E" There is NO subsection E of D. It is 99%... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

Under California law, when interpreting a municipal zoning ordinance, the clarity and precision of the language used is key. If a part of the ordinance, such as "10.40.070.D.E", appears to contain a typographical error, it can create uncertainty in its application and enforcement.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning on
Q: Ref : buying a house in Dubai and making a nominee form India ( non UAE resident ) .. possible ? And if yes how ?

X a UAE resident and expat: buys house in Dubai . Wants to make Y as nominee . Y is not a UAE resident but Indian citizen . What’s the procedure please and how Y can secure the property if C is no more . How does the process of house owner change of ownership in case of death works ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

Transferring ownership of a property in Dubai to a nominee who is a non-UAE resident, like in your scenario, is possible through legal processes. Here's a general overview:

Nominee Agreement: X, as the UAE resident and property owner, can enter into a nominee agreement with Y, the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Land Use & Zoning on
Q: Are the word "State" in 26 U.S. Code 3121(e) and in other pending legislation the same?

According to my legal sources, these definitions are not the same. The term state in 26 U.S. Code 3121 (e) specifically includes only the named U.S. territories and possessions."

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

In legal terms, the definition of "State" can vary depending on the context and specific legislation. In 26 U.S. Code 3121(e), the term "State" is defined in a particular way, often including named U.S. territories and possessions. This definition is tailored to the purposes of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Tax Law for Louisiana on
Q: My neighbor has paid my property taxes before I can even within the time frame What recourse do I have
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

In Louisiana, if your neighbor pays your property taxes, it's essential to understand the implications of this action. Generally, paying someone else's property taxes can lead to a claim of interest in the property, especially if this continues over a period of time.

Your first...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Connecticut on
Q: The property is in my name and my mom has life use what are my rights with the property

she pays the bills and taxes. i tried going mudding in the woods and brought some friends she flipped out because i was disrespectful. she banned my friends from coming over so i wanna know if she had the right to do that

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

Without searching the title, I assume you have the remainder and Mother the life estate. If so your estate does not vest in possession until her death. You cannot enjoy the property until then. If she damages the property, you might sue her for damages/waste. Usually the life tenant pays... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Land Use & Zoning for Georgia on
Q: Is it possible to over turn a lawsuit judgement?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 19, 2023

Yes, it is possible to overturn a lawsuit judgment in Georgia, but the process involves specific legal procedures. To challenge a judgment, you typically need to file a motion with the court within a certain timeframe, presenting valid legal reasons for the request, such as new evidence or errors... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Identity Theft and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: can schools gather car information such as insurance, registration and drivers license for a parking permit

The public high school wants to get out car information for us to park in there student parking lot.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 18, 2023

In California, public high schools often have policies requiring students to provide certain car information, such as insurance, registration, and driver's license details, to obtain a parking permit. This practice is typically part of the school's efforts to ensure safety and proper... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Neighbor put fence on my property. Who owner of this fence? I did not give permission. Took down my fence .

No written notice. Wants put in jail if I remove it. I say my property, deed my name.

Told I have to go to court to prove it is on my property even tho the property disc is there. Tks.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 17, 2023

In California, if your neighbor has constructed a fence on your property without permission, this can be a case of encroachment. Legally, the fence built by your neighbor on your property is considered their property. However, since it's on your land without consent, you have rights that need... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Personal Injury, Municipal Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Septic runoff major issue. 2 properties not including mine.

Sometime this year the apartments(8unit) up the alley had a septic issue and they let their entire waste water runoff into the alley and onto my property and just pretended like it didn't happen, for 3 days. My yard still smells because of it. Furthermore the apartment one closer to mine, (10... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 3, 2023

In California, dealing with septic runoff and property damage caused by neighboring properties is a serious matter. First, document the damage and the runoff, including photos and any other evidence of the septic issue and the altered water flow causing damage. This documentation is crucial for any... View More

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