Land ownership and utilization often raise legal issues for property owners, businesses, and government entities.

Homeowners often need permission from the local government to remodel or build additions. Businesses must comply with zoning restrictions on specific operations, and environmental issues may impact any project or plan.

Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable about land use and zoning matters, including:

• Condemnation and eminent domain proceedings
• Zoning use changes
• Zoning appeals
• Variance requests
• Easement and right-of-way agreements
• Boundary line disputes
• Grading permits
• Special use permits
• Development covenants and restrictions
• Landmark proceedings
• Environmental issues
• Highway occupancy and traffic considerations
• Outdoor advertising
• Defense of Maryland Department of Environment actions and environmental defense litigation

Expertise in Southern Maryland condemnation cases

State and federal eminent domain laws authorize the government to purchase private land for public use, such as the construction of schools, roads, highways, parks, and hospitals.

Once the government has decided to exercise its power, it must initiate a condemnation action against the property owner, which involves valuing the property and determining fair compensation for the owner’s loss.

Government agents must ensure that people receive fair market value for their property or the amount received if their property was sold privately in the open market.

Unfortunately, the government often undervalues property and offers low compensation to property owners.

CEW Law has successfully represented Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Anne Arundel residents who were not offered fair compensation for the condemnation of their property. We obtained an additional $1.3 million for our client in one significant case.