The Real Estate Development Practice Group provides advice and counsel to commercial and residential real estate developers, landowners, institutional and equity investors, and institutions in connection with real estate development projects of all sizes throughout the southeastern United States. Our services include developer entity structure and formation; tax planning; zoning and land use planning; environmental regulatory compliance and permitting; preparation of contracts for land acquisition, design, construction/development, and lots/unit sales; and development construction financing. Additionally, we prepare commercial and retail leases; documentation creating condominiums and planned developments for residential, commercial, and marina/boat slip projects; and property owner association documents. Our attorneys appear in administrative court in disputes with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. In the event of a contractual dispute or an appeal of administrative action, our attorneys represent clients in the trial and appellate courts.
Within recent years, real estate development in North Carolina has created a demand for legal representation before local and state governments on zoning and land use regulations. Zoning and land use laws pose many complications for developers because of numerous technical rules and special practices. Non-compliance with these rules often results in a substantial loss of time and money for developers. We counsel clients navigating through the maze of restrictions placed on developers and landowners by government entities. Our attorneys appear frequently before planning boards; boards of adjustment; city councils; county commissioners; and local, state, and federal agencies on a variety of issues including subdivision of property, zoning, special and conditional use permits, variances, appeals of the interpretation of zoning ordinances, approvals of development plans, development agreements, environmental matters, and taxation.
As the use of wireless technology grows, Ward and Smith knows how to obtain the necessary approvals for the location and construction of wireless telecommunication towers. Our attorneys understand the federal, state, and local law governing the location of towers and how to obtain special use permits and other regulatory approvals necessary for the construction of towers including dealing effectively with any opposition.
North Carolina is known for its many historic districts. Our attorneys have the specialized knowledge of development requirements in historic districts that enable us to represent clients successfully before local historic preservation commissions.
Attorneys within the Real Estate Development Practice Group work closely with our Business, Community Associations, Construction, Environmental, Zoning and Land Use Planning, Litigation, and Real Estate attorneys. Our knowledge of the applicable bodies of law affecting these matters, coupled with our years of related experience, allows us to assist our clients regarding regulatory compliance.
Our Real Estate Development attorneys have a wealth of experience and recognitions, including a member of the North Carolina Bar Association Committee, which drafted the North Carolina Planned Community Act; a founding member of the Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section of the North Carolina Bar Association; and a former Greenville City Council member. In addition, seven lawyers are rated by their peers as being "preeminent" in their respective field of law; five are included in The Best Lawyers in America; and three are recognized in "Legal Elite," a list of the best attorneys in the state by Business North Carolina.
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