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Zoning & Land Use

Land Use and Zoning practice is an almost entirely political process. Although courts will intervene if there’s an egregious, arbitrary or capricious action, by and large, this is an area where Liskow’s decades of proven experience has a significant impact. Our strengths translate into a level of judgment, sophistication, and strategic thinking that few firms, particularly in Louisiana, can match. When a major project is at issue, our knowledge makes a pivotal difference.

Overview

We handle the full scope of zoning and land use issues, ranging from analysis to determine a project’s compliance with existing zoning, to representing clients in zoning application hearings, to actual zoning-related litigation. We counsel clients on land acquisition and development, planning and permitting, zoning changes, conditional use permits, variances, and entitlements.

Managing projects means managing perceptions

Our lawyers are also exceptionally skilled at guiding clients through the political issues of zoning and land use. As a rule, political bodies and the public have a right to weigh in and provide input, particularly on industrial projects. And there’s often strong opposition. Effectively managing this potentially contentious aspect of the process demands a combination of persuasion, legal strategy, and the ability to find common ground. Typically, this means developing a compelling story about a project. Whether what’s at issue is traffic, environmental concerns, or something else, we excel at managing issues, and developing a convincing, concise, and, above all, impactful case for our clients’ projects.

360-Degree Experience Makes the Difference

Another critical capability we bring to our Land Use and Zoning work is our recognized facility with Louisiana law and government – at every level. The state has 64 parishes, each of which is a separate jurisdiction, and each may have its own land use ordinances, political processes, and influences. We can work effectively in any of them – not many firms can say that, and fewer still have the track record to prove it.

We are also exceptionally adept in helping clients manage projects that require the involvement of multiple government agencies. A dock or terminal on the Mississippi, for example, can involve state levee districts, regional port commissions, the federal Corps of Engineers, and include issues of servitudes, easement rights, Coast Guard issues, and a complex web of sometimes-competing federal, state, and local regulations. Liskow guides clients through all of it.

Anticipation helps get projects built

We share your excitement, but anticipation includes helping you see and manage new or changing issues. For example, every five years, parishes and cities go through a comprehensive zoning rewrite or land use plan revision. This is usually an unpredictable and challenging time for clients – a rezoning can be an expensive, high-stakes, game-changing event. We monitor these closely, and if anything seems likely to affect a client, we act. Whatever the situation, the issues, or the political landscape, we will help you achieve what needs to get done.

Notable Experience

  • Liskow has been providing ongoing representation of a client seeking to build a grain storage facility on the Mississippi. We ensured faultless compliance to land use and zoning regulations, and the client was then faced with outside groups challenging the project on novel legal theories, including procedural formalities and technical issues. The project is strategically critical to the client, and we’ve been by their side very step of the way as they navigate a series of complex challenges.

We are known for these strengths

  • Analysis and evaluation of compliance with current zoning and land use regulations.
  • If approval or a variance is available, we assist clients with preparation of the application.
  • We frequently appear at hearings or public forums, including attending community meetings and making presentations on the client’s behalf.
  • We effectively and strategically represent clients before zoning commissions, boards of adjustments, cities, and parish councils
  • If there’s actual litigation, handing as attorney of record as well as making court appearances, and either handling or assisting with litigation at every phase.
Liskow & Lewis has top-notch advisory counsel for environmental matters, most knowledgeable in the business.
Best Lawyers Client Comment
Environmental Law, 2020

Initial Contacts

  • Lou Buatt
    lbuatt@liskow.com
    337.267.2343337.267.2343
  • Greg Johnson
    gljohnson@liskow.com
    504.556.4115504.556.4115

Our Team

Shareholders

  • Media item displaying: Clare M. Bienvenu

    Clare M. Bienvenu

    Shareholder

    New Orleans
    504.556.4128504.556.4128
    995
  • Media item displaying: Lou E. Buatt

    Lou E. Buatt

    Shareholder

    Lafayette
    337.267.2343337.267.2343
    995
  • Media item displaying: Greg L. Johnson

    Greg L. Johnson

    Shareholder

    New Orleans
    504.556.4115504.556.4115
    995
  • Media item displaying: Paul C. Kitziger

    Paul C. Kitziger

    Shareholder

    New Orleans
    504.556.4126504.556.4126
    995
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