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Land Use and Zoning Attorneys in Virginia

Rezonings, conditional use permits, special exceptions, and planned unit developments all turn on careful preparation and a clear presentation. Attorney John McCormick served five years on the Chesapeake Planning Commission, so our team understands how planning staff and commissions review applications. We help property owners, developers, and businesses plan, file, and present their applications.

  • Rezoning & Zoning Reclassification
  • Conditional Use Permits & Special Exceptions
  • Planned Unit Developments
  • Former Planning Commissioner on Our Team

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PLANNING COMMISSION SERVICE

5 YEARS

APPLICATIONS

REZONINGS, CUPS & PUDS

WHERE WE WORK

VIRGINIA

LAND USE & ZONING

Approval Starts Long Before the Hearing

The strongest applications are planned early, address staff and community concerns, and fit the locality’s comprehensive plan. We help you build that case from the start.

Property Owners

Unlocking a new use or greater value for your land.

  • Rezoning and reclassification
  • Conditional use permits
  • Zoning review before you buy

Developers & Builders

Securing the approvals a project needs to move forward.

  • Planned unit developments
  • Conditions and proffers
  • Site and density planning

Businesses & Churches

Operating where and how you need to.

  • Use permits and special exceptions
  • Expansions and new locations
  • Zoning compliance questions

LAND USE SERVICES

Support Through Every Stage of the Application

We work with your engineers, surveyors, and design professionals to prepare an application that staff, commissioners, and council members can support. Buying property for a project? See Real Estate Investment & Development.

Rezoning & Reclassification

Applications to change the zoning district that applies to your property.

Conditional Use Permits

Approval for a specific use allowed in a district subject to conditions.

Special Exceptions

Applications for uses that require additional review and approval.

Planned Unit Developments

Flexible zoning for larger and mixed-use projects.

Pre-Application Strategy

Feasibility review and early meetings with planning staff.

Community Outreach

Meetings with neighbors and civic groups to address concerns early.

Public Hearings

Presentations to the planning commission and city council or board.

Zoning Due Diligence

Zoning review before you buy or lease a property.

Thinking About a Rezoning or Permit?

The decisions you make before filing often determine the outcome. Talk with us before you submit an application.

TALK WITH US

THE PROCESS

A Clear Path From Idea to Approval

Every locality has its own procedures, but most applications follow the same core stages.

1. Strategy Call

We learn about the property, your goals, and your timeline.

2. Feasibility Review

We review zoning, the comprehensive plan, and likely concerns.

3. Pre-Application Meetings

We meet with planning staff to understand requirements and expectations.

4. Application & Outreach

We prepare the application and help you address community concerns.

5. Hearings & Approval

We present your application at the planning commission and governing body hearings.

WHY COUNSEL MATTERS

Applications Fail on Details You Can Control

Many denials and deferrals trace back to issues that could have been addressed before filing.

Incomplete Applications

Missing information that causes delays or deferrals.

Unaddressed Neighbor Concerns

Opposition that surfaces for the first time at the hearing.

Conditions & Proffers

Commitments that are hard to live with after approval.

Comprehensive Plan Conflicts

Requests that do not fit the locality’s long-range plan.

Timing & Deferrals

Hearing schedules that do not match your contract or financing deadlines.

Buying Without Zoning Review

Closing on property before confirming the planned use is possible.

ZONING AND DUE DILIGENCE GUIDES

Check Zoning Before You Close

Zoning and land use questions often decide whether a commercial deal works. These guides cover what to verify before you commit.

Ready to Plan Your Application?

Tell us about your property and project, and we will help you plan the next step.

GET STARTED

What Our Clients Say About Working With Us

Real reviews from clients we have represented. Read all client reviews.

Tamika D.

5-Star Client Review
I’ve had nothing short of an excellent experience working with this firm! They are professional, prompt, experienced and fairly priced. They have navigated me through many questions, challenges and documents. I am forever grateful for their quality service and dedication!

Josh G.

5-Star Client Review
I could not have made a better selection on the quality of professionalism and service provided by McCormick Law and if I were to do it 100 times over, I would choose them every time. Thank you very much for your responsiveness, professionalism, and courtesy while assisting me through this process.
5-star client review

Chris

5-Star Client Review
I have used John McCormick and his team for many legal services including LLC formation and real estate transactions. All of the work they do is top notch. I’ve worked with other firms that routinely mess up the settlement statement and require correction at the final hour. I never have this problem with John and his team. When setting up my LLC, I asked a lot of questions and John was always prompt and knowledgeable with his responses. His paralegal Allison is great too and extremely knowledgeable. Great people and easy to work with. I highly recommend.
5-star client review

Quint B.

5-Star Client Review
John did an exceptional job and went above and beyond to assist us in handling a commercial transaction and everything that comes with it. We got sidelined by a larger firm and decided to go with John after talking with him; turned out to be one of our best decisions! He did a great job all around, especially good at communicating (phone, email), really helped us throughout the negotiation process, tells it to you straight (even the hard truths), phenomenal work ethic, and is very well respected by his peers. Can’t recommend him highly enough! He’s the only attorney we want to work with in the future. Thanks John!

    Who You’ll Be Working With

    Our attorneys combine legal knowledge with practical experience in how local land use decisions are made, and we explain every step in plain English.
    John McCormick, Founder and Managing Attorney of McCormick Law & Consulting

    John McCormick

    Attorney & Founder

    John McCormick is the founder of McCormick Law & Consulting. He served the City of Chesapeake as a Planning Commissioner for five years, including service as Secretary and Vice-Chairman, and he represents property owners, developers, and businesses in land use and real estate matters.

    John is licensed in Virginia and North Carolina.
    Read More about John

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between a rezoning and a conditional use permit?
    A rezoning changes the zoning district that applies to a property. A conditional use permit allows a specific use that the existing district permits only with approval and conditions. Terms and procedures vary by locality.
    How long does the approval process take?
    Timelines vary by locality and project. Most applications take several months from filing to final decision, and deferrals can add time. We will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.
    Do I need to talk to my neighbors?
    Community meetings are not always required, but addressing neighbor concerns early often makes the hearing process smoother.
    What are proffers and conditions?
    Proffers are voluntary conditions an applicant offers as part of a conditional rezoning in Virginia, and conditions may also be attached to permits. They become binding on the property, so they should be reviewed carefully.
    Do you handle land use matters outside Chesapeake?
    Yes. We help applicants in localities throughout Hampton Roads and Virginia.

    Results depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.