Articles Posted in Real Estate

There are several reasons why a person or entity may apply for a variance, which is an exception to a zoning law. To obtain a variance to alter the dimensions of a property, the applicant might have to show that the variance will relieve a hardship based on the land’s unique characteristics. A local ordinance…

When a local zoning board grants a permit for a real estate project, the recipient may think they are ready to begin construction. However, receiving a permit might only be the first hurdle to clear. After the board approves your permit application, a local community member may challenge the board’s decision in court. In these…

Boundary disputes can be difficult to resolve. Longtime neighbors often develop close relationships, which can grow complicated when a dispute arises. Physical boundaries like fences and trees can help separate your land from a neighbor’s, but they do not completely settle the issue. Instead, you can look to Rhode Island law to resolve boundary disagreements…

When it comes to utility leaks and repairs, responsibility can often be a contentious issue. Repairs and maintenance of utility infrastructure can be extremely expensive, and a property owner’s wrongful assumption that a problem is the responsibility of the utility company may be a costly mistake. A recent judicial opinion from Rhode Island sheds light…

As one of the first areas of the continent settled by colonists, Rhode Island contains property boundaries that were determined centuries ago, and they may not reflect the boundaries used today. Property boundaries and disputes with neighboring landowners can often lead to complex legal issues that may be difficult to understand and apply to the…

Rhode Island’s stunning coastline is a treasured resource for both residents and visitors. However, ensuring that everyone has equitable access to these beautiful coastal areas can sometimes be a complex issue. The State of Rhode Island has released public guidelines to explain the interplay between public access rights and the private property rights of coastal…

Governments worldwide have commonly possessed the power to seize the property of private citizens for various reasons throughout time. In the United States, the Revolutionary War was fought partly because England was using this power arbitrarily to take the property of American colonists. After America gained its independence, Congress ratified the 4th Amendment, which forbade…

In a recent judicial opinion, the question of property ownership takes center stage as the court delves into the intricacies of water distribution systems and their responsibilities for maintenance and repair. The case at hand revolves around a dispute between an individual property owner, the appellant, and a local utility, the Narragansett Water Department (NWD).…

Disputes between a business or property owner and a contractor, or even between a general contractor and subcontractors, can derail construction projects and result in costs far exceeding estimations for construction or renovation projects. The Rhode Island Supreme Court recently ruled on an appeal to determine if an architect was entitled to contract damages for…

In recent years, the development of green energy projects has expanded significantly, both in Rhode Island and nationwide. Wind and solar farms are the most common types of recently constructed renewable energy developments. As the use of fossil fuels for power generation subsides, renewables appear poised to take up the slack in our energy grids.…