{"id":4567,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/how-to-handle-problems-with-commercial-zoning-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T02:16:42","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T07:16:42","slug":"how-to-handle-problems-with-commercial-zoning-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/how-to-handle-problems-with-commercial-zoning-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Commercial Zoning Laws and Variances"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Commercial Zoning Laws and Variances<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

If you’re starting your own business, you might not have considered local zoning laws<\/a>. Municipal zoning codes are among the few local laws that affect small and home-based businesses more than state laws. Local zoning requirements affect where and how you can operate your business. Even if your business fully complies with state laws, zoning laws may restrict where you can open.<\/p>\r\n

What are zoning restrictions? How do they affect your business? Read on to learn more about zoning and what you can do if your business does not comply with local zoning laws.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Zoning Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Zoning laws divide a community into areas, or "zones," for specific uses. These zones help to protect residents and limit hazardous activities and types of industry. Areas within zones may have subdivisions subject to other laws or restrictions.<\/p>\r\n