what is the purpose of a town attorney

City attorneys are either elected or appointed to represent a local government. A city attorney can be either elected or appointed to office and helps the city government handle all of its legal issues. In larger cities he will often staff several assistant attorneys who specialize in specific areas of the legal system.

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What does a city attorney do in a small town?

City attorneys may advise city officials on a wide range of city business, ranging from nuisances to tax law to municipal annexations. A city attorney also advises the city's legislative body (such as a city council) on the legality of proposed actions and assists in the drafting of city ordinances and resolutions.

What does a city attorney do in Texas?

Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

Is a city attorney a part time job?

The purpose of a town planning scheme is to enable the comprehensive management of all property and related public sector functions across a municipality. It is the responsibility of the municipality to enforce compliance with the town planning scheme and to carry into effect the provisions set out therein. There are thus various town planning

Is the city attorney elected or appointed?

The town Planning Commission and Selectboard are “statutory parties” to all Act 250 applications. The commission or board is considered a statutory party, not the individual members. The town can submit evidence at hearings and can appeal decisions. Try hard to work together to provide a unified voice for the town—it

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

What is a municipality entitled to?

municipality is entitled in terms of the Municipal Systems Act (No 32 of 2000) to create legislation pertaining to its designated area. A town planning scheme is just one example of the legislation that municipalities create by way of the powers granted to them by the Act.

What are default land use rights?

property’s ‘default’ land use rights are contained in the applicable town planning scheme. These town planning schemes essentially dictate what uses a piece of land can lawfully be put to. If an owner wants additional rights or different rights to use the land in a manner other than prescribed by the scheme, an application can be lodged to apply for these rights.

What is the first step a developer should take prior to embarking on the development / acquisition of a property

The first step any developer will take prior to embarking on the development / acquisition of a property which is intended to be developed, would be to undertake a due diligence in respect of the property.

What are servitudes in property?

These agreements once recorded in the Deeds Registry against the title deeds of the Property are called servitudes. An example would be a right of way or encroachment servitude. Once such a praedial servitude registered, the servitude will be binding on future owners of the Property.

What is zoning contravention?

The use of property contrary to its zoning is a criminal offence in terms of our law. This means that a court can convict the property owner or occupier of a criminal offence and sentence them to imprisonment or a fine, not exceeding the limits set out in the relevant town planning laws. In addition, contraventions of the zoning laws can lead to a court application being brought by the local municipality to prevent such an owner or occupier from continuing to use the land unlawfully. The municipality is responsible for enforcing zoning laws and to ensure that property owners and occupiers use land in a manner that is lawfully permitted.

What is restrictive condition on title deed?

The title deed for the property can contain various restrictive conditions, which restrict the owner’s rights to deal with the property. An example would be that not more than one dwelling is permitted on the property.

What is the best way to choose a power of attorney?

Trust is a key factor when choosing an agent for your power of attorney. Whether the agent selected is a friend, relative, organization, or attorney, you need someone who will look out for your best interests, respect your wishes, and won't abuse the powers granted to him or her. It is important for an agent to keep accurate records ...

Why is it important to have an agent?

It is important for an agent to keep accurate records of all transactions done on your behalf and to provide you with periodic updates to keep you informed. If you are unable to review updates yourself, direct your agent to give an account to a third party.

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that allows you to appoint a person or organization to manage your property, financial, or medical affairs if you become unable to do so.

What powers can an agent exercise?

You can specify exactly what powers an agent may exercise by signing a special power of attorney. This is often used when one cannot handle certain affairs due to other commitments or health reasons. Selling property (personal and real), managing real estate, collecting debts, and handling business transactions are some ...

What is a power of attorney for health care?

A health care power of attorney grants your agent authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unconscious, mentally incompetent, or otherwise unable to make decisions on your own. While not the same thing as a living will, many states allow you to include your preference about being kept on life support.

What is a durable power of attorney?

You might also sign a durable power of attorney to prepare for the possibility that you may become mentally incompetent due to illness or injury. Specify in the power of attorney that it cannot go into effect ...

What is a fiduciary?

A fiduciary is someone responsible for managing some or all of another person's affairs. The fiduciary must act prudently and in a way that is fair to the person whose affairs he or she is managing. Someone who violates those duties can face criminal charges or can be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

Why do you need a power of attorney?

There are many good reasons to make a power of attorney, as it ensures that someone will look after your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. You should choose a trusted family member, a proven friend, or a reputable and honest professional.

When should a power of attorney be considered?

A power of attorney should be considered when planning for long-term care. There are different types of POAs that fall under either a general power of attorney or limited power of attorney . A general power of attorney acts on behalf of the principal in any and all matters, as allowed by the state.

Why does a power of attorney end?

A power of attorney can end for a number of reasons, such as when the principal dies, the principal revokes it, a court invalidates it, the principal divorces their spouse, who happens to be the agent, or the agent can no longer carry out the outlined responsibilities. Conventional POAs lapse when the creator becomes incapacitated.

What is Durable POA?

A “durable” POA remains in force to enable the agent to manage the creator’s affairs, and a “springing” POA comes into effect only if and when the creator of the POA becomes incapacitated. A medical or healthcare POA enables an agent to make medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person.

How to start a power of attorney?

A better way to start the process of establishing a power of attorney is by locating an attorney who specializes in family law in your state. If attorney's fees are more than you can afford, legal services offices staffed with credentialed attorneys exist in virtually every part of the United States.

Who is Julia Kagan?

Julia Kagan has written about personal finance for more than 25 years and for Investopedia since 2014. The former editor of Consumer Reports, she is an expert in credit and debt, retirement planning, home ownership, employment issues, and insurance.

Why do parents need POAs?

Ask parents to create POAs for the sake of everyone in the family—including the children and grandchildren— who may be harmed by the complications and costs that result if a parent is incapacitated without a durable POA in place to manage the parent’s affairs.

The Purpose of Zoning

The purpose of zoning is to keep people from using their property in a manner that would adversely impact the surrounding area. For example, the purpose of a single-family zone is to keep people from constructing a factory or a big apartment complex in the middle of a neighborhood.

Zoning can Impede Development and Progress

While zoning done right can add value to your property and make your life more pleasant, municipalities often make zoning more complicated and restrictive than they should. For instance, the City of Tacoma has over thirty different zones varying in intensity from single family to commercial.

How to Rezone Property in and Around Tacoma, Washington

If you want to use your property in a way that the current zoning does not allow, one of your options is to try to get it rezoned for the use that you seek.

Alternatives to Rezoning

Even if rezoning is off the table, there are other ways to pursue the same goal:

Check the Zoning in Your Neighborhood!

The following is a list of zoning maps for Pierce County and some of the included cities:

How can a Real Estate Attorney Help?

At the Brink Law Firm, we have extensive experience with rezoning in and around Pierce County. We have obtained favorable rezoning results both for our clients, and for ourselves for our own investment properties.

What are the duties of a notary public?

Administering oaths and affirmations;Notary publics offer a legal service that impacts numerous institutions. Their responsibilities include: 1 Taking affidavits and statutory declarations; 2 Taking acknowledgments of deeds and other conveyances; 3 Protesting notes and bills of exchange; and 4 Providing notice of foreign drafts.

What is a common law notary?

Providing notice of foreign drafts. The term “notary public” only refers to common-law notaries and should not be confused with civil-law notaries, which are lawyers who have passed their bar exam. A common-law notary who is not a lawyer is forbidden from providing legal advice.

How to get a document notarized?

To get your document notarized by a notary public, simply Download the Notarize Mobile App, or Connect with a Notary Online and follow these steps: Upload any document, but do not sign it before uploading it. You must sign before the notary public. Fill out the document using Notarize’s digital tools. Validate your identity.

How long does it take to notarize a document?

Wait as the notary public notarizes your document online. The average wait time is about 60 seconds. You’re done!

What documents do notaries sign?

These documents include: Estates. Deeds. Powers of attorney.