New York Land Use and Zoning

In an ideal scenario for any property owner or developer looking to build on Long Island, all aspects of a new development project will comply with the applicable provisions of a municipality’s zoning ordinance. The reality for many, however, is that there is usually some element of the project that is either not permitted or triggers the need for additional scrutiny. In some cases, the project may require a variance or a special exception. Understanding the differences between these two forms of zoning relief is vital for navigating any municipality’s zoning approval process.