You have big plans for your property in Maryland or DC, but you have plenty of red tape to cut through before you can see them through. If you are facing a land use or zoning issue, you can trust Scudder Legal to usher your project through as efficiently as possible. Drawing on over 15 years of practice in Prince George’s County, Principal Attorney Traci Scudder has the local connections, specialized knowledge, and proven experience to help you achieve your real estate goals.
Offering an Unmatched Boutique Experience
Scudder Legal is committed to providing top-notch legal services with a personalized touch that you can only get from a small firm that specializes in a niche practice area. Unlike multi-partner mega-firms that slowly process every case that comes their way, Scudder Legal only accepts zoning and land use cases they can see through to conclusion efficiently and effectively. Without the delays and overhead of a top-heavy firm, we are able to provide services that make you feel more like a partner than an anonymous client.
Big or Small, We Welcome All Projects
We understand that individual property owners and Mom & Pop operations need the same expert legal advice as big developers and hotel chains. That is why we consider clients on an individual basis. If we believe we can help you with your zoning or land use issue, we will take your case and work hard for you, whether you are a private homeowner, small business owner, real estate developer, or international corporation. Ms. Scudder has extensive experience with the following types of real estate projects in Prince George’s County and DC:
- Large-scale mixed-use projects
- Retail shopping centers
- Multi-family developments
- Single-family and duplex residential developments
- Senior and affordable housing
- Church projects
No matter how complex your project is, you can count on our in-depth knowledge of local zoning laws and connections to local officials to help you get the approvals you need.
Skilled Representation in Administration Hearings
Ms. Scudder frequently represents clients in zoning and land use matters before various administrative boards and commissions and elected and appointed bodies to obtain zoning approvals. She has established relationships with key officials throughout the county and is well known by various bodies, including:
- Prince George’s County Council
- Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission Planning Board
- Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission
- Prince George’s County Board of Appeals
Ms. Scudder’s familiarity with these boards—as well as many others in the area—gives her clients an edge when seeking zoning and land use approvals.
New Zoning Ordinance in Prince George’s County
On April 1 of 2022, a new zoning ordinance went into effect in Prince George’s County—the first zoning update in the county since 1959. As a result, many residents, developers, homeowners associations, and builders have questions and concerns about what the new rules will mean for them. Rest assured that Ms. Scudder is well-versed in the new code and can provide legal counsel and guidance to concerned parties. The new ordinance includes updated subdivision regulations, a new landscape manual, new zones to encourage mixed-use development, and changes to parking lot requirements. These changes could present challenges to current projects or provide opportunities to grow and improve your business. Scudder Legal welcomes clients seeking information and assistance with the 2022 zoning ordinance changes.
Restaurant Zoning and Compliance Issues
A good deal of our zoning clients over the years have been restaurant owners and developers. As a result, Ms. Scudder has unmatched experience in the kinds of issues restaurateurs face in Prince George’s County and the surrounding area. Whether you are searching for a location for your food-service business or have already purchased a lot, we can help with zoning permit applications and site-use compliance issues such as:
- Set-backs
- Parking
- Lighting
- Signage
- Seating capacity
- ADA requirements
Our team will help you conduct the necessary due diligence to ensure that land use and zoning problems don’t delay—or destroy—your plans for a vibrant, successful restaurant in Maryland or DC.
Contact Scudder Legal With All of Your Zoning and Land Use Concerns
Local ordinances require local expertise. If you are a real estate developer, property owner, or builder facing zoning or land use issues in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, or the District of Columbia, contact us online or call 240-273-3294 to find out how Scudder Legal can help.