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Zoning and Building Permits

In Massachusetts, when a property owner wishes to build an addition onto his or her property, or build a new house on a vacant lot, they are required to comply with local zoning laws and regulations before being issued a Building Permit by their city or town. Zoning laws are local in Massachusetts (meaning they differ from community to community) and they govern what can and cannot be built on property in a given city or town. These laws can be very complex, and they determine who is, and who is not, entitled to Building Permits to build on their property. Many property owners own land that, for a variety of reasons, does not conform to current zoning regulations, and hence, their application for a Building Permit will be denied. In order to receive a permit to construct whatever it is they wish, they must petition for what is known as a "Special Permit" before a body known as the Zoning Board of Appeals ("ZBA") in their city or town. This is very common.

Unfortunately, this process can be extremely complicated. For someone who has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in property that they wish to improve through construction, the stakes are very high. Persons who are required to seek Building Permits from their city or town, are advised to seek the counsel and direction of an attorney experienced in zoning law. Our firm is experienced in the intricacies of appeals filed before local Zoning Boards of Appeal, and we can guide you through this complicated process. Contact us for a free consultation.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
"When I fell in that supermarket and knew I had broken my leg, one of the first things that went through my mind was, "How am I ever going to take on a company this size and receive any decent compensation for what's happened to me?" Because of you, I received a sizable settlement payment for my injury. I hope more people learn about the kind of legal talent you offer." Jeanine W.
★★★★★
"The act of placing my father in a nursing home was probably the most painful decision I've ever had to face. You took our case on, and you and your associates fought the owners of this business, tooth and nail. You never gave up. As a result, my father's estate was paid considerable money for his pain and suffering." Joan W.
★★★★★
"My whole life changed on a dark day in December 1989, when I was hit and pinned against a wall by a commercial delivery truck. I was almost DOA at the hospital Emergency Room. Because of my injuries, I cannot work full-time ever again. Because of you and your colleagues' work, I received a large settlement." Jim Y.
★★★★★
"My mother had suffered a heart attack in the fall, and the hospital doctors completely missed this in her vital signs and EKG. My mother died the next day, and she didn't have to. But because of your diligence and talent, her estate received a very large settlement payment, along with revised ER protocols to prevent such errors in the future. For my mother and future patients, we thank you for what you did for her." Dorothy W.
★★★★★
"When our son was hit by a car in a crosswalk, our one and only concern was his recovery and well-being. We had no idea what we were facing: A maze of obstacles put up in our path by the insurance company for the driver who hit our son - denying responsibility for the accident. If we hadn't had you by our side, we feel we would have been eaten alive by this insurance company's lawyers. You guided us from day one, and you never rested." Bob and Mary J.
★★★★★
"You know what impressed me most about you (aside from your legal talent)? I know that my injuries from my car accident weren't the worst that you had in front of you - my case was far from the biggest case in your office - but you represented me like my case was worth a million dollars. I can't thank you enough." Margaret G.
★★★★★
"There are two things that I will never forget about my car accident: The sound of screeching tires just before my car was hit by the other driver, and, much later, the sound of you telling me that the entire ordeal was over with, and that I was going to receive just compensation for my injuries. The rest, I want to forget - but I'll never forget you and what you did for me." Karen D.
★★★★★
"Choosing to hire William D Kickham was one of the best decisions I could have made in recent years. He was very prompt, to the point and delivered on his promises. He is a true professional and I couldn't be happier with his results. I will continue recommended his services to anyone in need of legal guidance." Rick
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