William Kominers

Land Use and Zoning

Land use and zoning attorney Bill Kominers navigates governmental processes to help companies achieve the best use of their properties in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Bill’s idea of light reading on the weekend is scouring the footnotes of proposed new zoning codes. He is creative in using his exacting knowledge of land use law to shepherd developer and corporate clients through the approval process, crafting zoning solutions akin to selecting the correct rocks to traverse a stream. Trained as an architect, Bill visualizes projects from blueprints to building. He communicates with planners and designers in their own language, translating detail into design with good-natured humor. Legal guide Chambers USA notes: “Clients praise [Bill] for having ‘a business sense that embraces collaboration.’”

For more than 35 years, Bill has represented developers and businesses before administrative agencies, legislative bodies, and courts in proceedings involving rezonings, master plan amendments, subdivisions, adequate public facilities evaluations, site plan reviews, special exceptions, variances, and building and occupancy permits. He has particular skill guiding large-scale mixed-use developments through the full range of planning, zoning, and regulatory processes.

Bill also represents large office and industrial parks in general land use and legislative matters, including redevelopment, master planning, text amendments, and zoning and regulatory approvals. He has extensive experience with urban development projects, especially using optional zoning tools for increased densities and negotiation of design and amenities in the regulatory process. He has managed these projects in the central business districts of Bethesda, Silver Spring, Friendship Heights, and the City of Rockville.

When he’s not perusing zoning codes, Montgomery County native Bill enjoys studying military history and playing bridge with a group of fellow Walt Whitman High School alums.

Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors, 2007-2017; 2021-present; Economic Development Committee Chair, 2015-2017 and 2007-2011; Government Affairs Committee Chair, 2013-2015; Board Chair, 2011-2012; 2021-2022)

Maryland Building Industry Association (Executive Committee, 2014-2015; Liaison Committee, past vice Chair; Development Review Process Subcommittee, past Chair and current member, late 1990s-present)

Montgomery County Zoning Advisory Panel

Montgomery County Planning Board’s Traffic Mitigation Issues Group

The George Washington University Law Alumni Association (past Director, DC Chapter Board)

Maryland State Bar Association

Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland

D.C. Bar