Our Real Estate, Zoning and Land Use practice area provides legal services in all aspects of real estate transactions and land development. This practice area provides comprehensive legal advice in the acquisition and sale of real estate, public sales, landlord-tenant law, lease agreements, easements, right-of-ways and settlement services. Nearly all of our attorneys handle real estate closings and the firm maintains three full-time real estate paralegals.

The Real Estate, Zoning and Land use practice area also represents landowners, developers, neighbors and municipalities in all aspects of the zoning and land development approval process. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of zoning and land development / subdivision applications and attended hearings before municipal bodies all over south-central and south-eastern Pennsylvania. We also have experience in representing municipalities. Due to the highly complex area of zoning and land use regulations, nearly every commercial real estate transaction requires due diligence in the form of a zoning review and, if necessary, approval. Our Real Estate, Zoning and Land use practice area can assist landowners and buyers of real estate to obtain the necessary zoning approvals prior to acquire the property. In addition, we have represented neighbors, community groups and public-interest groups in opposition to large-scale commercial development or offensive uses that interfere with the quality of life for existing residents.

Real Estate Services

• Closings and Title Insurance
• Agreement of Sale, Deeds and Mortgages
• Residential and Commercial Lease Agreements
• Public Sales
• Tax-free Exchanges
• Agricultural Assessment and Easements
• Right of Way and Easement Agreements
• Residential, Farm, Commercial and Industrial Properties

Zoning and Land Use Services

• Preparation of Zoning Application (variances, special exceptions, conditional uses)
• Representation at Zoning Hearings
• Land Development and Subdivision
• Permitting Services
• Petitions for Zoning Amendments and Map Changes
• Municipal Services

Attorneys Who Practice in This Area

• Brian S. Black
• John R. Gibbel
• Donald H. Hess
• Melvin H. Hess
• J. Elvin Kraybill
• Peter J. Kraybill
• Timothy E. Shawaryn
• Michael T. Winters
• J. Dwight Yoder