The Zoning & Land Use Practice Group specializes in representing local government units such as cities, villages, townships and counties when they are sued as a result of a decision made under a zoning ordinance. These challenges may be to the zoning ordinance itself or to a specific decision made by a municipal board or official.

The defense of these cases can arise from the denial of a variance or special use permit, or the denial of a rezoning request. Municipalities can also be subjected to litigation by neighboring property owners when a request is granted.

Plunkett Cooney's attorneys also advise their clients on the drafting of new zoning and land use ordinances as well as re-zoning land for new uses.

Our zoning and land use attorneys lecture at seminars and annual meetings for our Michigan Municipal League (MML) clients and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys (MAMA).

Case Studies

• Plunkett Cooney helps municipality preserve environment along Lake Michigan's coastline

News

• Plunkett Cooney attorneys among Michigan ‘Super Lawyers’
• Plunkett Cooney attorneys named among ‘Best’ in America
• Plunkett Cooney elects four to firm’s board of directors
• Murray joins municipal attorney, legal defense fund boards
• Plunkett Cooney Board of Directors re-elects Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer

Publications

• Denial of Church’s Rezoning Request for Apartment Building Does Not Violate Federal Law
• The Impact of Poor Zoning Decisions
• City Violates Federal Law in Denying Church's Rezoning Request
• Land Owner has No Duty to Remove Vegetation in Public Right-Of-Way