Eckert Seamans’ attorneys have represented both public and private clients for many years on matters involving local governmental law throughout Pennsylvania. The lawyers in the Land Use and Government Affairs Groups have extensive experience that includes land use and growth management regulation, environmental, real estate, transportation, finance and impact fee law. Eckert Seamans’ attorneys have represented public and private clients in administrative, litigation and general advisory capacities, and have served as special counsel or solicitor to numerous Pennsylvania local governments and governmental authorities.

The attorneys in this group have widespread experience in one of the most visible areas of local governmental practice—land use regulation. Their combined experience includes familiarity with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, which is the enabling legislation for zoning, subdivision, land development and planned residential development provisions and ordinances. All aspects of regulation have been handled including federal, state and local permitting for stormwater management; erosion and sedimentation control; wetlands mitigation; impact fees; planning for water and sewer; transportation improvements; and environmental, scenic, historic and open space preservation and acquisition. Group attorneys actively practice in the expanding area of landowner rights and relief under the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions and statutes.

Land Use Group attorneys have extensive experience in representing clients at zoning hearing board and other administrative hearings; representing public and private clients in eminent domain litigation; and participating in all aspects of land development including negotiations, acquisition, development, leasing and financing. They have been involved in all types of projects including industrial parks, warehouses, quarries, shopping malls, commercial centers, communication towers, and residential developments. These attorneys handle financing issues for lenders and borrowers, help develop commercial and residential condominiums, and deal with complicated real estate development issues.

The attorneys in this group have played a leading role in legal matters involving public-private partnerships and cooperation on major economic development projects. They are in demand as instructors in land use law to local governmental officials and continuing education programs for lawyers and judges, and frequently lecture to various professional associations and other interested groups on growth management issues.