Municipal law is a legal specialty that concentrates on laws and ordinances specific to an area—a town, village, or city known as a municipality. Municipal law in Bossier City Louisiana covers a broad range of subjects including education policies, zoning, small business regulations, and taxation and education policies.
Here are a few reasons you might consider hiring an expert attorney in municipal law.
Real Estate Transactions
Municipalities are governed by Louisiana state law regarding specific steps that they must take in buying, selling, or leasing property. Individual municipalities have vastly different policies and procedures which must comply with state law minimum requirements. If the proper steps are not taken, then a purchase or sale may be challenged in court and set aside. If you are looking to buy, sell, or develop real estate, a municipal law attorney can expertly guide you through a maze of regulations, permits and hearings.
Small Business Regulations
While it is true that small businesses are often the heart and soul of communities, the procedures for establishing a new business varies from municipality to municipality. Municipalities may require different permits and licenses for establishing and maintaining businesses within town boundaries and a local municipal law attorney can be your guide.
Zoning
In Louisiana, each municipality has its own zoning requirements that impact businesses in many ways. This includes how the property in an areas is zoned, the types of businesses allowed in the particular type of zone, whether any exceptions are permitted within the zone, and the process for having property rezoned. If you are looking to open a business in a certain area, a municipal aw attorney can help you comply with the zoning requirements.
Taxes
Your individual and business property tax rates are established by the local authorities. Sales and use taxes are often owed to municipalities, parishes, the state and sometimes special districts. The tax rates owed to each governmental unit and the method of paying these often varies depending on the parish the business is located. If you find yourself in dispute a municipal law expert can be an invaluable resource in protecting your assets and making certain you’re on the right side of local law.
