Rezoning: Only viable in “edge cases”
The Purpose of Zoning The purpose of zoning is to prohibit people from using their property in a manner that would adversely impact the surrounding area. For example, the purpose of a residential zone is to keep people from constructing a factory or warehouse in the middle of a neighborhood. Allowing these higher-intensity uses in […]
Variances: For small deviations from land use code
What is a Variance? A variance is essentially a discretionary exception to one or more zoning requirements. Every jurisdiction offers a different array of variances under slightly different conditions. However, all variances operate by allowing property owners to use their property in a way that would otherwise contradict the zoning code. Purpose of Variances The […]
When neighbors war: Property and boundary line disputes in Washington State
What are property line and boundary line disputes? The terms “property line dispute” and “boundary line dispute” mean the same thing. They refer to a broad array of disputes over the ownership of land. Typically, property line disputes arise from one of two sources: encroachment, or a problem with the recorded deeds. Encroachments Encroachment occurs […]
Development Agreements: Relief from zoning code for big projects
What is a Development Agreement? A development agreement is a voluntary contract between a local municipality, such as a city or county, and a property owner whose land is located within the municipality’s jurisdiction. The development agreement contains the obligations of both parties and lays out the various standards and conditions that will control development […]
Commercial Lease Negotiations and Disputes – Protect Yourself!
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, negotiating favorable lease terms is critical to your success. As a business owner, finding your first office or a warehouse to increase inventory is critical to your business. As a landlord, finding a solvent and reliable tenant is equally critical. The lease terms need to work financially for […]
Joint Ownership Disputes: Regretting your partnership?
Common Points of Contention No relationship is perfect. Some of the most common joint ownership disputes that arise among property co-owners include the following: One of the owners has sole possession of the property but refuses to pay rent or will not compensate the owner who is not in possession of the real property at […]
Title Insurance Disputes: Clean up your messy title
What is Title Insurance? As with all insurance, title insurance is meant to reduce the risk of the parties covered by it. Think of your health insurance: You pay a premium each month, and in exchange, the insurance company agrees to pay for your healthcare in the off-chance you have a problem. Title insurance is […]
Construction Law: Know your rights as a contractor or client
Construction projects can be complicated. In most projects, there are many parties with varying roles set out by a network of contractual obligations. If something falls through, it can cost everyone involved a significant amount of money. For this reason, it is important to have legal protections in place long before construction begins. Many legal […]
Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreements
Why Purchase and Sale Agreements are Important in Real Estate Transactions There is a lot at stake in any real estate transaction. Whether you are purchasing a home, residential rental property, commercial property, or even a parcel of vacant land, buying real estate can be a big investment and a big risk. Selling property can […]
Subdividing Real Estate: What is a “plat”?
Across the country, the housing industry is booming, but the market in Tacoma and Seattle is especially hot. Many huge national and international entities call Seattle and Tacoma home. Our greatest regional employers include: Boeing, CHI Franciscan, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Microsoft, University of Washington, Amazon, Providence Health & Services, Starbucks, and Weyerhaeuser. Their rapid expansion […]