We help guide clients through the land use permitting process, from examining whether a particular development proposal or use is permitted under applicable zoning regulations, determining the type of zoning and inland wetlands permitting that is required, and identifying the applicable regulatory standards. We have experience assembling and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, navigating through the application and hearing process, handling contested applications, and defending court appeals challenging zoning approvals. We have handled applications involving zone changes, special permits, special exceptions, planned developments, site plan review, variances, subdivisions and inland wetlands permitting.
We pride ourselves on handling land use matters in a practical and cost-effective manner.
Municipal Property Tax Practice
We represent clients in municipal property tax valuation appeals involving a wide variety of commercial properties. Property types have included industrial, manufacturing, office, retail, apartments, corporate headquarters and energy generation facilities. We assist in engaging and working with real estate appraisers, navigating the municipal board of assessment appeals process, and in prosecuting appeals to the Connecticut Superior Court. Our experience includes property tax exemption appeals involving educational and other non-profit organizations, as well as exemption appeals involving energy generation equipment and manufacturing machinery and equipment. We have assisted clients in the negotiation of successful settlements at the informal municipal assessment phase and in court appeals.
Because Connecticut municipalities conduct property tax revaluations of all real property once every five years and utilize the valuation as a basis for property taxation for a five year period, it is advantageous for property owners to examine the valuation put on the property in the first year of the revaluation cycle.
