Our #1 Zoning Tip for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are known for their imaginative and forward-thinking outlook. However, the world of zoning can be limiting and bleak. When new ideas or multiple uses are proposed, even the best-intentioned government officials and planning staff may struggle to understand how the proposal fits within the existing perimeters of the zoning ordinance and other relevant regulations. […]
How Do You Prove Hardship?
When a property owner applies for a variation (a deviation from a zoning requirement), they must demonstrate that they face a particular hardship that makes it impossible or excessively burdensome to comply with the strict letter of the law. Informally, “hardship” refers to the criteria for reviewing variation applications. When requesting a variation, one of […]
Award-Winning Actor Seeks a Special Use Permit for a Farm
Actor Richard Gere, famous for his roles in films such as “Pretty Woman” and “Chicago,” has purchased the former property of Paul Simon at 82 Brookwood Lane in New Canaan, CT. Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, seek a special use permit to allow farming as an accessory use as they plan to transform 27 […]
Business Licensing and Zoning
Starting a new business is exciting, but it often comes with its fair share of administrative hurdles. During the planning stages, it’s important to identify all necessary zoning and business licensing requirements that will allow your business to legally operate. Sometimes, novice business owners come to us for assistance with zoning and licensing only after […]
Katarina Karac Selected as “2024 Rising Star” in Illinois for Land Use and Zoning by Super Lawyers
Katarina Karac, the Founding Attorney of Birchwood Law, has once again been recognized for her exceptional legal knowledge and skills in the field of Land Use and Zoning. Her remarkable achievements have earned her the prestigious title of “2024 Rising Star in Illinois for Land Use and Zoning” by Super Lawyers, a distinction reserved for […]
DIY Zoning
Every year, property owners find themselves in situations where they need zoning relief for a simple project, but they have to weigh the costs of retaining professional services to assist with the zoning process. In some cases, due to financial constraints, property owners choose to go through the zoning process on their own. Although it’s […]