The Ghost Haunting Land Use Law: Site Plan Review & Local Zoning Regulations

On November 14, Shawn McCormack presented at the Real Estate Bar Association (REBA) Annual Meeting & Conference on the panel, “The Ghost Haunting Land Use Law: Site Plan Review & Local Zoning Regulations.” Although site plan review has been an established form of land use regulation for more than 40 years, it is nowhere found in the state’s Zoning Act. While cities and towns are opting to employ site plan review on an expanding number of uses, lawyers and judges are increasingly concerned by the lack of consistent standards and procedure. Along with fellow panelist Michel L. Wigney, Shawn discussed the current state of site plan review by cities and town – what it is, what it is not, why it is a perennial source of confusion for practitioners, and why property owners and attorneys should not be spooked by this unacknowledged ghost.

For nearly 150 years, REBA’s shared legacy has been advancing the practice of real estate law while upholding and promoting fair dealing, professional networking and collegiality among members of the real estate bar. Today, REBA continues that enduring and proud legacy by creating and sponsoring professional standards, advocating in the legislative process on behalf of its members, mentoring new members of the profession and creating educational programs.