Who Is Attorney Craig Albert Fine? Land Use Zoning and Development

Craig A. Fine, Esq.

Who Is Attorney Craig Albert Fine? Land Use Zoning and Development

Connecting a proposed project with permitted use, approvals, contracts and development risk

By Craig A. Fine, Esq. · October 3, 2025

A promising site does not automatically support the project a buyer or owner has in mind. Craig A. Fine’s land-use, zoning and development work considers how property rights, approvals, contracts, financing and construction plans affect one another.

Craig A. Fine participating in a real estate development planning meeting
Craig A. Fine participating in a real estate development planning meeting.

Understanding Land Use Zoning and Development

The legal review should begin with the proposed use. Existing conditions, zoning classifications, permits, variances, easements and agreements may determine whether the plan can proceed as expected.

What deserves attention

  • Permitted use and zoning classification
  • Variances, approvals and hearing requirements
  • Development and construction agreements
  • Access, easements and neighboring-property concerns
  • Acquisition and financing conditions tied to approvals

Development risk should be allocated before closing

A buyer may need time to investigate or obtain approvals before becoming unconditionally obligated to purchase. The contract should address access for testing, cooperation from the seller, approval deadlines and what happens if the planned use cannot be authorized. The project team should coordinate legal, design, engineering and financial work rather than treating them as separate tracks.

Legal work is most effective when the attorney receives complete information early. Important facts can include the identity of the parties, the location of property or assets, the governing documents, approaching deadlines and the client’s preferred outcome. The analysis may change when any of those facts changes.

Questions clients often ask

Is current use proof that a proposed use is allowed?

No. The specific proposal should be evaluated under current rules and property records.

Why review permits and certificates?

They may show whether existing improvements and occupancy were lawfully approved.

When should zoning be reviewed?

As early as possible, especially before waiving due-diligence or approval conditions.

Related reading and resources

Speak with the firm

People seeking guidance about a specific matter can review Craig A. Fine’s official biography, explore the firm’s practice areas, or contact The Law Office of Craig A. Fine, P.C. A consultation request does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Attorney Advertising. This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it, sending information or following a link does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after conflicts and scope are reviewed and a written engagement is completed. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jurisdiction-specific statements require final attorney review before publication.

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About the Firm

The Law Office of Craig A. Fine, P.C. provides legal services involving real estate, business law, landlord-tenant matters, commercial litigation, wills, trusts and estate planning. The firm serves clients in New York, New Jersey and Florida.

About Craig A. Fine

Craig A. Fine, Esq. is the founder and managing partner of The Law Office of Craig A. Fine, P.C. His official biography identifies him as an attorney licensed in New York, New Jersey and Florida who has served clients since 2007. He is also the author of The Fine Line Blog.

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