Overview of Services

VF&N has been active in the Northern Virginia real estate development community for more than 30 years. Our trusted Virginia land use and zoning attorneys and planners have been at the forefront of significant land use projects in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, and elsewhere throughout the region.

VF&N knows the local landscape and can provide legal guidance at every stage of the life-cycle of commercial real estate projects, including acquisition, financing, entitlement, development, leasing and disposition. We have forged positive relationships within the industry, as well as with state and local governments, owners’ associations, and other stakeholders. Contact our office today to speak with one of our experience Virginia land use and zoning lawyers today.

Experience

• Mixed used development: Represented the City of Manassas Economic Development Authority regarding the legal work necessary for the development of The Landing at Cannon Branch, mixed used development which will house, a brewery, hotels, retail, offices, restaurants and over 270 new homes
• Winery vs development covenants: Represented Effingham Manor, an 18th century historic estate converted into a winery, in an opposition case stating that it breached the community’s development covenants. Prince William County Circuit Court ruled in favor of our client, allowing Effingham Manor Winery to open for business.
• Nature preserve & parks: Shepherded the sale of a 300 acre parcel to a consortium of federal, state and private parties that resulted in the creation of a nature preserve. Also facilitated the conversion of a derelict water treatment plant into a pocket park.
• Special permit amendment for international retailer: Successfully represented international retailer seeking approval of special permit amendment to expand convenience store gas station; matter involved substantial community outreach with influential citizen’s group in Fairfax.
• Municipalities: Advised municipalities in connection with various zoning and land use matters including Virginia’s new proffer legislation; sign ordinances after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert; the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), and federal constitutional issues in connection with zoning ordinances pertaining to certain land uses.
• Performance bond agreements: Advised municipalities in drafting performance bond agreements for site/subdivision, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control and landscaping improvements & BZA appeals.
• Utility providers: Successfully resolved complex easement disputes on behalf of electrical utility providers.