Zoning and Permits
A successful business owner will seek the best location, whether the goal is to take advantage of foot traffic, receive deliveries easily, or create a synergy with local businesses. The quest for the perfect location can neglect a critical issue: Will zoning laws and ordinances permit the business to operate legally? Consulting a real estate lawyer in Minneapolis can help you determine whether you will be allowed to operate your business in the location you have in mind.
- Research whether the zoning of the potential location will accommodate your business.
- Determine whether any plans to modify zoning in the area may concern the capacity to operate your enterprise.
- Research zoning ordinances and regulations to determine what may be regulated: for example, noise, parking, signs, visual appearance, water and air quality, and waste management.
- Get to know your neighbors and develop amicable relationships with them.
- Be willing to spend money and energy to develop creative solutions to zoning problems.
- On the other hand, there are certain practices to avoid.
- Avoid signing a commercial lease without being certain that you will legally be able to do business at the location, unless the lease is contingent on appropriate zoning.
- Don’t ignore or hedge regulations. Betting that the municipality won’t notice or won’t care about violations will be a costly gamble.
- Don’t sacrifice an otherwise perfect location because the zoning is in conflict with your goals. With the right plan and the right support, the business may be able to receive a variance and not be required to conform to zoning regulations.
- Don’t navigate zoning issues alone. Business associations can put you in touch with the proper officials to approach.
- A zoning and land use attorney can be invaluable. Contact Patrick K. Oden, a real estate attorney in St. Paul, for help resolving your zoning issues.