Zachary G. Williams
Zachary's broad knowledge of and experience with land use and zoning projects includes multifamily and mixed-use development projects, affordable housing projects, residential condominium projects, university campus uses, office-to-residential conversions, assisted living and other medical care facilities, industrial projects, child-care facilities and schools, and fast casual and other retail projects requiring zoning relief. He regularly assists clients with land use applications, including Planned Unit Development (PUD) applications, map amendments and re-zonings, special exceptions and variances, comprehensive plan amendments, conditional use permits, special use permits, site plans, and subdivisions. Zachary also regularly assists clients with zoning violation issues and zoning due diligence reviews prior to the acquisition and development of property.
In addition to zoning and entitlement applications, Zachary also has experience assisting property owners and developers in collaborating with planning staff and local stakeholders as part of major Comprehensive Plan, Small Area Plan, and other Master Plan studies and initiatives.
In addition to land use and zoning development work, Zachary has handled land use and real property-related litigation and appeals that have reached the Virginia Supreme Court, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the Maryland Court of Appeals, and the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. His experience includes matters involving boards of zoning appeals (BZAs); real property disputes; real estate tax assessment appeals; local government cases; easement disputes; rights of first refusal; adverse possession; and restrictive covenants.
Experience
Representative Matters
Zoning and Land Use
- Experience with Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), map amendments, special exceptions, rezonings, proffered condition amendments, variances, and use permits in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia
- Assisted with preparation of easements, deeds, covenants, subdivisions, and related site plan applications in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia
- Prepared zoning due diligence memoranda for clients throughout the DC metropolitan area
Litigation
- Successfully handled all aspects of a case that reached the Virginia Supreme Court relating to local taxation of transferable development rights in Arlington County, Virginia
- Argued before the Virginia Supreme Court in a case involving land use and local government issues in Fairfax County, Virginia
Insights
Credentials
Education
- J.D. George Washington University Law School 2008
- B.A. Political Science Davidson College 2005
- Managing editor, The Davidsonian
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- Virginia
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Professional Memberships and Activities
- Graduate, Urban Land Institute, Regional Land Use Leadership Institute Program
- Member, Urban Land Institute, ULI Washington
- Member, ULI Washington Case Studies Committee
- Member, NAIOP, Northern Virginia Chapter
- Member, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
- Member, Virginia State Bar, Local Government Section
- Member, District of Columbia Bar, Real Estate, Housing and Land Use Section
- Member, Maryland State Bar Association, Real Property Section
Recognition
- Super Lawyers, Rising Star, Washington, DC, 2014 – 2023