LAND USE
Experienced Land Use Attorneys in Austin, TX
Whether you are a developer, business owner, landowner, or investor, a lawyer with a strong background in land use matters makes all the difference in providing strategic guidance to protect your interests and unlock the full potential of your property.
At Merritt Law, we help clients navigate the complex legal and regulatory issues that shape how land can be used, developed, or restricted locally in Austin and across the state of Texas.
Our Land Use Legal Services
Our team has successfully represented clients with varied needs including:
- Zoning & Planning – Guidance on zoning compliance, rezonings, and planning issues.
- Easements – Drafting and reviewing easements for land use, including utilities, electrical lines, and gas lines.
- Declarations, Restrictive Covenants, & Land Use Restrictions – Drafting and enforcing agreements to govern current and future use of property.
- Permits & Entitlements for Confined Livestock Feeding Operations – Assistance with specialized agricultural land use matters.
- Development Incentives – Negotiating with cities, counties, and economic development corporations to maximize opportunities for development.
- Economic Development Agreements – Drafting agreements that align business goals with municipal and regional incentives.
- Takings, Eminent Domain, & Inverse Condemnation – Protecting property rights when government action affects your land.
- Creative Development Projects – Structuring innovative and complex projects to meet client goals.
- Code Compliance – Reviewing city codes and advising on compliance or noncompliance.
- Rights of First Refusal & Options – Negotiating and structuring contracts that impact future property transfers, and advising existing landowners on how existing rights of first refusals impact their existing ownership and intentions for the property.
- Renewable Energy Development – Reviewing renewable energy leases, easements, and agreements for landowners and developers.
Who We Serve
We work with a broad range of clients throughout Austin and across Texas, including:
- Construction companies
- Real estate developers
- Landowners and investors
- Buyers, sellers, and brokers of real estate
- Farmers and ranchers
- Confined livestock feed owners and operators
- Retail and warehouse property owners
- Landowners considering renewable energy projects
Why Do I Need a Land Use Lawyer?
Land use matters are often highly specialized, requiring both a deep understanding of local regulations and the ability to future-proof for business interests, changing regulations, and even technological developments. Additionally, not having experienced land use counsel could result in unexpected liability to third parties, who may have a legal right to make demands relating to the use of the land or a right to purchase the land.
Our skilled land use attorneys utilize our years of experience in this area of the law to provide sound legal advice, review critical documents, and ensure our clients can get what they need from their property—whether it’s a purchase, a sale, or new development on a piece of land they already own.
Why Choose Merritt Law?
Led by founding attorney Johnny Merritt, who has practiced in this area for over 40 years, our firm brings unmatched knowledge and practical insight to every matter we handle.
Our team is skilled at negotiating with municipalities, economic development entities, and both national and international law firms, securing win-win resolutions, avoiding costly disputes, and structuring incentives that support complex projects. Because we have worked extensively across residential, commercial, agricultural, and renewable energy developments, we understand the nuances of each sector and the challenges that landowners and developers face.
Over the years, we have built trusted, long-term relationships with clients ranging from real estate developers to farmers, warehouse operators, and retail property owners. These relationships reflect both the quality of our work and the commitment of our attorneys to helping projects succeed.
GET IN TOUCH
Office Number: 737-279-7290
Email: Info@MerrittLaw.org
Address: 1201 Rio Grande St., Ste. 200 | Austin, TX 78701