Zoning & Land Use

Significant experience before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is a primary strength of HMS™ regulatory practice.

Representation in compliance and enforcement, litigation and investigation by state and federal environmental agencies is a large segment of HMS' regulatory practice, with a particular emphasis on water and waste water matters.

HMS administrative agency practice brings us before a variety of state and federal administrative agencies, where we assist clients in meeting specific business goals.

HMS acts as solicitor and special counsel to a variety of municipalities and authorities on issues ranging from procurement to environmental law.

HMS counsels insurance entities in regulatory compliance matters and is their advocate in dealings with state regulators and in administrative and civil disputes.

HMS diverse appellate practice includes frequent appearances in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania's appellate and original jurisdiction, where challenges to regulatory actions typically are litigated.

Details: Category: Practice-Areas Practice-Areas; Published: 11 September 2013 11 September 2013; Created: 11 September 2013 11 September 2013

HMS provides advice and guidance to municipal clients and developers with respect to zoning and land use issues. We act as Solicitor to municipalities and local planning commissions. In addition to representing clients in land use matters, the firm has experience from a planning perspective by serving as voting members of local, county, and regional planning commissions.

Our representation extends to matters such as:

Zoning compliance and status
Subdivision requirements
Pre-existing, non-conforming uses and structures
Zoning enforcement appeals
Variances, conditional uses, and waivers
Curative amendments
Zoning hearing board proceedings
Utility service extensions
Enforcement of bonds and security
Professional fee disputes