Land Use Development, Zoning and
Environmental Law

In land use development, zoning, and environmental law, Snyder & Snyder, LLP has the strategies, resources, and experience to bring these projects on-line in a manner that is timely, cost-effective, and efficient.

Expertise/Services

Zoning and Land Use Development

  • Intimate knowledge of all forms of regulations, including the procedures of land use agencies such as:
  • Municipal Planning and Zoning Boards throughout New York and New Jersey
  • The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals
  • The New York City Planning Commission
  • The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
  • The New York State Office of Historic Preservation
  • The New York State Cemetery Board
  • The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission
  • Secure federal, state and local land use, zoning, and regulatory approvals for telecommunications, energy and environmental facilities
  • Structure the project financing using tax - exempt Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
  • Represent private schools and operators of small day care facilities in various zoning matters involving the constructio n of new educational facilities
  • Represent clients with religious land use matters
  • Strategic counseling on all aspects of project development, including:
  • Contracts for the acquisition of land and infrastructure
  • Secure zoning and land use approvals
  • Construction-related matters and agreements

Environmental Law

  • Counsel clients on all aspects of environmental compliance
  • Oversee the environmental review process, including under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)
  • Secure construction permits and approvals from federal, state and local regulatory agencies, including
  • The US EPA
  • The NYS DEC
  • The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
  • The NYC Planning Commission
  • The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals
  • The NYS Public Service Commission
  • Municipal Planning and Zoning Boards throughout New York and New Jersey
  • Implement Smart Growth and LEED-certified projects

Development of Energy and
Environmental Projects

  • Extensive due diligence to ensure project success, including:
  • Review title reports
  • Analyze environmental audits
  • Record leases
  • Examine corporate approvals
  • Secure lender subordination and non-disturbance agreements for land, rooftops or tower sites upon which telecommunication, solar, wind or other renewable energy projects are located

Results

  • Counseled the developers of numerous energy and environmental facilities including a natural gas pipeline extension, a water works tariff amendment, several electric substations, two regional waste-to-energy plants, an 80' tall wind turbine, and utility-scale and distributed generation solar facilities
  • Obtained zoning, planning, architectural, and environmental approvals for hundreds of high-profile and often controversial public utility projects, including:
  • Wireless telecommunications towers
  • Telephone switching facilities
  • Solar energy facilities
  • Extension of a natural gas pipeline
  • Construction of two refuse burning power plants
  • Represented a major retailer on zoning development projects throughout the New York metropolitan area, expanding their ability to provide additional uses on existing sites including motor vehicle fueling stations
  • Secured zoning approvals for the construction of a house of worship in a residentially zoned area of an affluent New York suburb without the need for litigation thus avoiding the delays, uncertainties and costs associated with court proceedings
  • Enabled development of large offshore wind farms
  • Prepared and negotiated settlements and consent orders with regulatory agencies involving the cleanup and closure of hazardous waste disposal sites in several states

We work closely with the following organizations: