Quality of life depends a lot on our surroundings and the character of our neighborhoods. It is for this reason that cities and counties across Washington have developed complex zoning codes to reduce the impacts of intensive land uses on nearby communities and individual homeowners, to prevent new development from disrupting these values. These zoning codes include a panoply of land use controls, from height, size and density limits and allowable use matrixes, to buffers and set-backs, yardage requirements, architectural design guidelines, traffic control requirements, and multiple permit requirements, from simple building permits to subdivision approvals, conditional use permits, design review, and variances. Due to their complex and often ever-changing nature, local land use controls can feel like a labyrinth to the concerned homeowner, homeowner’s association, or neighborhood group concerned about impacts from new development, and simply trying to figure out if the developer is following the law.
At Telegin Law, we focus on protecting local communities from the adverse impacts caused by new development, from small-scale housing developments to large subdivisions, commercial complexes, and industrial facilities. We represent our clients in all phases of engagement with local land use review processes, from initial comment letters to administrative appeals and resulting judicial suits. If you or your organization are concerned about the impacts of new development, we would be happy to offer you a free consultation to evaluate your case and potential strategies for protecting your interests.