Vaughn Sundeen is keenly aware of the nature, powers, and duties of cities, counties, and other units of local government and has experience providing counsel for Monroe County, Wilkinson County, Jones County, Butts County, the City of Adairsville, Twiggs County, the Monroe County Board of Education and other jurisdictions. Our attorneys can help secure zoning entitlements and development approvals while guiding projects through complex local, state, and federal regulations.
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Why the Right Attorney Matters
Our experienced attorneys guide clients through the complexities of zoning, permitting and regulatory approvals for real estate projects by leveraging an effective combination of legal expertise and community and political engagement. A firm that is embedded in the community has the necessary relationships and the understanding to handle approvals and red tape with ease, including everything from rezonings and variances to environmental issues and public-private partnerships. Our attorneys are invested in this community, as well as in their clients, and strike the balance between private property rights and the public interest, and are committed to helping parties find a fair resolution.
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Entitlements & Approvals From Local Government Bodies
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Zoning changes
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Variances
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Conditional use permits
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Development approvals
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Complex local, state, and federal regulations including environmental, historic preservation, water, coastal protections
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Public perception, community relations, and political strategy to gain public support, often appearing at planning commission or council meetings
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Zoning appeals
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Litigation
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Negotiations with government entities or opposing neighbors
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Deals involving government financing, incentives, and public infrastructure
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Tax Concerns
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Appeals over valuation and uniformity
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Special assessment programs (such as CUVA and FLPA)
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Distribution of excess funds
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Claiming excess funds held by counties and municipalities
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Open Records Requests
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Employment Law and Litigation
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Navigate EEOC complaints
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Hiring and termination of contract and at-will employees
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Legislation
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Current legislation
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Ordinances
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Local codes and policy
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Procedure manuals
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Civil Litigation
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Civil rights and constitutional law issues
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Election law and various civil law suits
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Real Estate
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Land acquisition, sales and leases
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Eminent domain
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Public works, including contracts and bidding procedures
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Our Attorneys Can Provide Assistance With:
When Should You Hire an Attorney Who Specializes in Public Relations, Land Use and Development?
Development Projects
If you have a development project that requires zoning changes are special approvals an attorney can help guide through the local approval process.
Zoning
Property owners and developers often need the assistance of attorney with zoning appeals, litigation, or negotiations with government entities or neighboring property owners.
Open Records
Both municipalities and private entities hire attorneys to respond to open records requests, handle EEOC complaints, and advise on employment policies.
Local Approvals
An attorney can help when projects get stalled by environmental, historic preservation, water, coastal or other state and federal regulations that can delay or derail development.
Regulatory Compliance
Attorneys can help businesses and individuals with deals that involve the local government or tax incentives and ensure compliance with rules.
Local Government
If you are involved in a deal or a dispute or legal risk that involves the government, property rights, or civil law, an experienced attorney can make a big difference. This includes eminent domain, civil litigation, election or constitutional law issues, real estate transactions, public works contracts and compliance with new legislation or local ordinances.
Community Engagement
If your project is facing community or political opposition, an attorney skilled in public relations can help manage public engagement, craft messaging and represent you before planning commissions or governing bodies to help build support and mitigate opposition.
Appeals
Attorneys can provide valuable assistance with appealing a tax valuation or applying for a special assessment program like CUVA or FLPA.
Real Estate
If you are buying, selling or leasing property and anticipate issues or disputes that could involve the local government.