Land Use and Zoning

Drawing on their strong relationships with local governments and first-hand knowledge of regulatory practices and environmental review procedures, Venable's Land Use and Zoning attorneys help clients secure approvals and expedite the completion of some of the most ambitious real estate projects throughout the United States.

With land use attorneys located in major jurisdictions throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York City, Northern Virginia, and Northern and Southern California, we work with clients to develop and implement legal strategies that take their projects from the conceptual stage through application and ultimate realization. Whether working on small residential developments; large mixed-use, retail, or industrial facilities; or other specialized properties, we harness a mix of legislative, administrative, environmental, and regulatory knowledge to help clients secure special permits, zoning variances, authorizations and certifications, special exceptions, and other approvals and entitlements while simultaneously navigating federal (NEPA), state, and local environmental review. Our team also handles many large-scale due diligence projects throughout the United States - including title research, permits, and zoning and planning history - to assess a property's development potential. When necessary, we engage with our land use litigation teams to defend clients against administrative and court challenges to land use approvals, thereby avoiding costly delays.

Recognition
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  • Chambers USA
    • Real Estate (Band 2), Washington, DC, 2012 – 2024
    • Real Estate (Band 1), Maryland, 2012 – 2016
    • Real Estate (Band 2), Maryland, 2017 – 2024
    • Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, Virginia: Northern, 2024
    • Real Estate: Land Use (Band 1), Maryland, 2018 – 2021
    • Real Estate: Land Use (Band 2), Maryland, 2012 – 2017
    • Real Estate: Land Use (Band 3), Maryland, 2011
  • U.S. News–Best Lawyers
    • Best Law Firms, Real Estate Law (Tier 1), National, 2011–2020, 2022 - 2023
    • Best Law Firms, Real Estate Law (Tier 1), Baltimore, 2011–2020, 2022 - 2023
    • Best Law Firms, Real Estate Law (Tier 1), Washington, DC, 2011–2020, 2022 - 2023
    • Best Law Firms, Litigation – Real Estate (Tier 1), National, 2011 – 2019
    • Best Law Firms, Eminent Domain and Condemnation (Tier 1), Baltimore, 2011–2020, 2022 - 2023
    • Best Law Firms, Land Use & Zoning Law (Tier 1), Baltimore, 2011–2020, 2022 - 2023
    • Best Law Firms, Litigation – Land Use & Zoning (Tier 1), Baltimore, 2011 – 2017, 2023
  • Legal 500, Real Estate, 2016 – 2018
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2007 – 2022 (Venable attorneys selected for inclusion)