Michigan Land Use and Zoning
Help! My Neighbor is Flooding My Property!
Disputes between neighbors over the flow of water are nothing new. The water simply has to go somewhere, especially when there’s a lot of it. Recently, there’s been an increase in water issues caused by homes that have been “flipped.” When an old home is […]
Read MoreLawrence Opalewski named an Up and Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit—June 14, 2021—Lawrence Opalewski, a zoning, land use, and religious property attorney at Dalton + Tomich, has been named an Up and Coming Lawyer by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly. This […]
Read MoreHow to Rezone Property in Michigan
You purchase a piece of Michigan property and want to develop it. But you soon discover that the property is not zoned for your preferred use. What do you do? Are you out of luck? Not necessarily. There are a few potential ways you could […]
Read MoreVariances, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBAs) and Self-Created Hardships and Practical Difficulties
When you seek a variance, you are essentially asking for permission to violate an applicable zoning ordinance. In other words, it is a request for an exception; a license to do something on or use your property in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited. […]
Read MoreRiparian rights, bottomland ownership and underwater trespassing
As a general rule, an owner of an inland lake house in Michigan holds title to the submerged land (the bottomland) to the middle lake.1 And while it is somewhat unusual to think of a trespass on submerged lands, Michigan courts have held that the […]
Read More5 Quick Tips Before Buying Lakefront Property
Buying property on one of Michigan’s many inland lakes is a dream for many. Fishing, swimming, sunset boat rides, and quiet mornings on the water can create priceless memories. However, if a buyer doesn’t do proper due diligence, a dream waterfront property can become a […]
Read MoreWhen Do I Need a Dock Permit?
One of the benefits of owning waterfront property in Michigan is the ability to install a dock and moor a boat. For many riparian owners, this is the most valuable and important aspect of their waterfront property. But installing a dock is not always as […]
Read MoreDan Dalton named a 2021 DBusiness Top Lawyer in Land Use and Zoning
Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Daniel Dalton; ddalton@daltontomich.com; 248.229.2329 Detroit—November 4, 2020—Detroit-based land use, business, and denominational trust law firm Dalton & Tomich is pleased to announce that Daniel P. Dalton, a founding partner of the firm, has been named to the […]
Read MoreZoning Enforcement and Penalties for Violation
For residents in Michigan it is nearly impossible to go a day without being impacted, either directly or indirectly, by local municipal ordinances. This is especially true for zoning ordinances. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of just how significant these impacts can be until they […]
Read MoreVested Rights to Nonconforming Uses under Michigan Zoning Laws
When a landowner uses his or her property in a way that becomes contrary to a newly adopted or amended zoning ordinance, the ability of that landowner to continue the prior use is frequently questioned and challenged. From a legal standpoint, any use consistent with […]
Read MoreAbout Us
The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC have the experience and the knowledge to work with you to develop a legal solution that helps accomplish your goals. Our collaborative approach has helped leaders like you grow businesses and banks, develop and expand churches, and build nonprofit organizations nationwide.
Our Practice Areas
-
call us: 313.859.6000
-
Detroit:The Chrysler House
719 Griswold Street, Suite 270
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Parking in Financial District Garage (730 Shelby Street, access via Lafayette and Shelby) -
Chicago:180 W. Washington St., Suite 400
Chicago IL 60602
312.235.6858 -
Rockford:401 W. State St., Suite 509
Rockford, IL 61101
Mitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
In my role as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God, quite often we are faced with issues that involve local governments and municipalities. Many of these issues that arise in dealing with entities are land use related. I have found Dalton & Tomich’s experience and expertise in this area to be a valuable resource and asset in every situation.
Tim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
Never one time during a year-long litigation process did Dalton & Tomich demonstrate anything other than Christ-like professionalism. They managed the legal details, while we continued to do church. How they managed themselves, managed our case, and represented our church set the table for me and our church to be where we are today.
Ronnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Dalton & Tomich’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. Their personal interest in helping us went “above and beyond” just the call of duty.