Regulatory and Administrative Law

Land Use

We understand that land use approvals are one of the biggest hurdles to overcome in completing development projects. Our attorneys work with clients to analyze applicable laws and regulations in order to develop a comprehensive strategy to bring each project to successful completion. We draft applications for all approvals required, and regularly advocate for our clients before federal, state and local officials – and in court when necessary. We also have a successful track record of helping clients achieve the highest value for their land. Let us help you keep your project on track.

REGULATORY & ADMINISTRATIVE LAW PRACTICE AREAS

Results

Our results speak for themselves.

  • Successfully represented our client in establishing that a local zoning bylaw allowed renovation of a mill building for residential use.
  • Successfully appealed permit denials for a 44-lot residential subdivision.
  • Successfully appealed permit denials for two “superstores” for a national retailer.
  • Represented a leading telecommunications company in its regional zoning and development matters.
  • Obtained permits for a combined independent senior housing and residential subdivision development.
  • Represented development companies seeking to permit a 250-unit affordable housing development on 330 acres of environmentally sensitive land. A permit was issued and that decision was appealed. While the appeal was pending, the land and project were sold for $16 million, $10 million of which was reinvested by the companies as a like-kind exchange in the acquisition of three properties valued at $28 million as well as the assumption of $18 million in debt and new financing.
  • Obtained reversal of an Appeals Court decision from the Supreme Judicial Court that clarified the obligations of abutters challenging a zoning decision and reinstated our client’s special permit to redevelop its property. Read the decision: Sweenie v. A.L. Prime Energy Consultants.
  • For a developer client, won a landmark decision that limited the authority of local conservation commissions to impose restrictions under local wetlands bylaws. Read the decision: Fieldstone Meadows Development v. Conservation Commission of Andover.
  • Participated in successful litigation to invalidate “overly-burdensome” zoning bylaws that restricted issuance of building permits by local zoning boards. Read the decision: Zuckerman v. Town of Hadley.

Regulatory & Administrative Law Attorneys

Meet the Land Use Team.

Meet All Of Our Attorneys
James Gallagher

Shareholder, Executive Committee Member

James E. Gallagher

Learn More
Shawn McCormack

Shareholder

Shawn M. McCormack

Learn More

RESOURCES

Happenings, headlines and insights.
See what’s new at Davis Malm.

View Our Regulatory & Administrative Law Resources

Alerts

January 20, 2026

National Data Privacy Day: 8 Tips for Employers to Protect Company and Employee Data

Read More

Firm Announcements

January 9, 2026

Robert J. Munnelly, Jr. Re-elected to NECA Board of Directors for Eleventh Consecutive Year

Read More

Publications

December 17, 2025

Robert J. Munnelly, Jr. Contributes to LexisNexis Practice Guide: Massachusetts Administrative Law and Practice

Read More

Speaking Engagements

September 16, 2025

Robert J. Munnelly Jr. Presents at the NECA Retail Markets Conference

Read More

Publications

August 4, 2025

The Next Phase of Massachusetts’ Solar Revolution

Read More

Publications

June 22, 2025

Evolving in a Time of Change: Next Steps for Massachusetts “SMART”

Read More

Publications

June 20, 2025

Phil Olsen Serves as Contributing Author for 2023-2024 ABA Sales & Use Tax Deskbook

Read More

Firm Announcements

June 12, 2025

Courtney A. Simmons Named a “Rising Star” by New England Real Estate Journal

Read More

Publications

February 7, 2025

Attorneys eager to see how Trump crypto revolution takes shape

Read More

CONTACT US

Need Regulatory & Administrative Counsel?

Get in touch
Scroll to Top