Zoning / Land Use

Details

HunterMaclean is at the forefront of commercial development in Savannah, St. Simons Island, and the coastal Georgia region. Zoning and land use are part of a comprehensive real estate practice that also encompasses economic development, commercial real estate, construction, environmental law, affordable housing, government relations, and commercial finance.

The zoning and land use team—including Harold Yellin, Joey Strength, and Josh Yellin—works closely with city and county commissions as well as local review boards to help clients move major development projects from concept to completion. Their work builds on a long-standing tradition of experience and success at HunterMaclean, shaped by former firm members who have served as Savannah mayor, city aldermen, city attorney, and as leaders on influential boards dedicated to economic development, historic preservation, tourism, and revitalization.

HunterMaclean zoning and land use attorneys regularly appear before planning and zoning boards, city councils, and county commissions across coastal Georgia. In the Savannah area, they represent clients before the City of Savannah, Chatham County, Tybee Island, Pooler, Garden City, Bloomingdale, Thunderbolt, Effingham County, and Liberty County. In the Golden Isles, they appear before Glynn County, Camden County, and the City of Brunswick.

In addition to zoning matters, HunterMaclean attorneys handle a wide range of related land use issues, including wetland regulations, Shore Protection Act permits, and coastal marshland permits. The team combines deep regional knowledge with legal skill and creativity to pursue the best outcomes for clients. With a well-established presence and commitment to responsible development, HunterMaclean offers a level of insight and success in zoning and land use that is difficult to match anywhere in the region.

Experience

• Representing Savannah College of Art and Design in various zoning and land use matters, including dormitories, museums, and classroom facilities.
• Representing Telfair Museum in connection with the approval of the height, mass, and design of its Jepson Center.
• Representing a national waste management company with respect to various zoning and site plan issues related to its metro Savannah facility.
• Representing several outdoor advertising companies with various land use related issues in the City of Savannah and Chatham County, including the introduction and legislation of ordinances relating to digital advertising.
• Representing Publix Supermarkets in connection with the rezoning and approval of its site plan for its store on Wilmington Island (Chatham County) and at the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center (City of Savannah). 
• Representing numerous shopping center owners and their operators and managers in acquiring properties, developing the sites, and obtaining all appropriate governmental permits.
• Representing convenience store and gas station owners with respect to various land use and zoning matters unique to this industry.
• Representing the owners and developers of industrial tracts and handling various land use, zoning, and infrastructure issues.
• Representing numerous national and regional hotel, motel, and restaurant operators before the City of Savannah and the Historic Review Board.
• Representing numerous property owners before the City of Savannah and Chatham County Zoning Boards of Appeal with respect to issues involving riparian rights and marsh setback requirements.
• Representing Glynn County landowner in rezoning of a 700-acre tract for commercial usage.
• Representing Glynn County landowner in obtaining approval for a Community Improvement District designation.
• Representing Golden Isles Association of Realtors in connection with monitoring and analyzing proposed amendments to the Glynn County Zoning Ordinance.

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