Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

Akerman’s New York Land Use and Zoning Practice relies on a full understanding of City zoning and land use regulations, processes and policies to advise property owners, developers, lenders, architects, and other real estate stakeholders in all aspects of NYC real estate development. Our roster of land use and zoning lawyers is supplemented by our planning and development consultants, a beneficial service offering for our clients.

We handle all actions requiring approval pursuant to ULURP, including rezonings, special permits and zoning text amendments, and Board of Standards and Appeals proceedings such as variances, special permits and administrative appeals. With the discretionary approval process, we oversee and manage the related environmental review process. Beyond these applications, Akerman reviews available zoning bonuses and other potential enhancements to a development, including the City’s affordable housing initiatives in voluntary and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing areas, and the creation of new zoning designations for live/work.

Our team also provides the post-approval services necessary to implement all zoning and land use actions to facilitate development completion, including obtaining as-of-right and discretionary incentives. We have vast experience in land use environmental litigation arising from application grants or denials at the trial and appellate court levels in NY state and federal courts.