Zoning and Land Use

Overview

We have extensive experience in zoning and site plan approval.  Our attorneys routinely work with the most respected engineering firms, architects, planners, traffic engineers and environmental consultants in Maryland and Virginia to achieve their clients' business objectives, and maintain close contacts with governmental officials and community organizations.  We are frequently retained to represent parties in connection with the most controversial and high profile land use cases.  

The scope of our Zoning and Land Use practice includes all types of development, from residential to commercial, public utilities to schools and colleges, large subdivisions to apartment complexes, large mixed use PUDs to single parcel development, and shopping centers to places of worship.  The clients we represent come from the largest publicly traded entities to families and small businesses.

Name
Title
Contact
Michael H. Brady
Partner
Email
804.977.3303
Michael H. Brady
Partner
Email
804.977.3303
John B. Gontrum
Partner
Email
410.832.2055
John B. Gontrum
Partner
Email
410.832.2055
Owen P. McEvoy
Partner
Email
410.347.8765
Owen P. McEvoy
Partner
Email
410.347.8765
Joseph J. Mezzanotte
Partner
Email
410.347.9441
Joseph J. Mezzanotte
Partner
Email
410.347.9441
Dale G. Mullen
Partner
Email
804.799.7854
Dale G. Mullen
Partner
Email
804.799.7854

New Zoning Code Threatened by Urban Renewal Plans

In June 2017, after nearly ten years of planning, drafting and revising, Baltimore City’s new zoning code became law.  In some areas of Baltimore, however, existing Urban Renewal Plans are undermining the new code’s visions for growth and development.  While city and neighborhood stakeholders are working to align the new code with existing Urban Renewal Plans, the conflict between the two is creating uncertainty for developers in some areas of the city.

New Zoning Code Threatened by Urban Renewal Plans

In June 2017, after nearly ten years of planning, drafting and revising, Baltimore City’s new zoning code became law.  In some areas of Baltimore, however, existing Urban Renewal Plans are undermining the new code’s visions for growth and development.  While city and neighborhood stakeholders are working to align the new code with existing Urban Renewal Plans, the conflict between the two is creating uncertainty for developers in some areas of the city.

Maryland Stormwater Fee Seminar - WTP speaker

The Harford County Office of Economic Development presents "The New Stormwater Management Fee AKA 'Rain Tax' & Impact to the Harford County Business Community."

The presenter is WTP's Trent Zivkovich.

To RSVP:  Donna Mendes, 410.638.3059 or djmendes@harfordcountymd.gov

Maryland Stormwater Fee Seminar - WTP speaker

The Harford County Office of Economic Development presents "The New Stormwater Management Fee AKA 'Rain Tax' & Impact to the Harford County Business Community."

The presenter is WTP's Trent Zivkovich.

To RSVP:  Donna Mendes, 410.638.3059 or djmendes@harfordcountymd.gov

Implementation of Senate Bill 236 - WTP speaker

The Appraisal Institute is presenting a seminar on "The Implementation of Senate Bill 236, County Growth Tier Maps, and the Impact on Land Valuation."

The panelists are:  Richard Hall, Secretary, Maryland Department of Planning; Marsha S. McLaughlin, Director, Howard County Department of Planning & Zoning; Terry Dunkin, Dunkin Real Estate Advisors, and Trent Zivkovich, environmental lawyer at WTP.

Implementation of Senate Bill 236 - WTP speaker

The Appraisal Institute is presenting a seminar on "The Implementation of Senate Bill 236, County Growth Tier Maps, and the Impact on Land Valuation."

The panelists are:  Richard Hall, Secretary, Maryland Department of Planning; Marsha S. McLaughlin, Director, Howard County Department of Planning & Zoning; Terry Dunkin, Dunkin Real Estate Advisors, and Trent Zivkovich, environmental lawyer at WTP.

Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Dinner - WTP sponsor

On Tuesday, Sept. 11th, the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber will induct James T. Dresher into the Business Hall of Fame. Other awards for Business of the Year, Board Member of the Year, People's Choice, New Business and a President's Award will also be featured. Call 443-317-8763 for tickets and info.

Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Dinner - WTP sponsor

On Tuesday, Sept. 11th, the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber will induct James T. Dresher into the Business Hall of Fame. Other awards for Business of the Year, Board Member of the Year, People's Choice, New Business and a President's Award will also be featured. Call 443-317-8763 for tickets and info.

Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 16 Practices

Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2026 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 31 attorneys in 16 practice areas at the National and State level.

Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 16 Practices

Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2026 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 31 attorneys in 16 practice areas at the National and State level.

Richmond Spotlight: Michael H. Brady

Michael Brady is Co-Leader of Whiteford’s Appellate Practice and heads up the Regulatory subsection of Whiteford’s Corporate and Business Law Section.

Richmond Spotlight: Michael H. Brady

Michael Brady is Co-Leader of Whiteford’s Appellate Practice and heads up the Regulatory subsection of Whiteford’s Corporate and Business Law Section.

Best Law Firms Recognizes Over 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 23 Nationally

Whiteford is pleased to announce that “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2026. Twenty-three of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, with the firm’s Bankruptcy, Construction Litigation and Real Estate Litigation practices receiving national Tier 1 rankings.

Best Law Firms Recognizes Over 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 23 Nationally

Whiteford is pleased to announce that “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2026. Twenty-three of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, with the firm’s Bankruptcy, Construction Litigation and Real Estate Litigation practices receiving national Tier 1 rankings.

Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 15 Practices

Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2025 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 31 attorneys in a record 15 practice areas at the National and State level.

Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 15 Practices

Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2025 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 31 attorneys in a record 15 practice areas at the National and State level.

Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in 43 Practices, 22 Nationally

Whiteford is pleased to announce that “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2025.  Twenty-two of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s Bankruptcy, Construction and Labor & Employment litigation practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings. 

Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in 43 Practices, 22 Nationally

Whiteford is pleased to announce that “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2025.  Twenty-two of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s Bankruptcy, Construction and Labor & Employment litigation practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings. 

Chambers Honors Whiteford in 14 Practice Areas

Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2023 list of leading firms and business lawyers.

Chambers Honors Whiteford in 14 Practice Areas

Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2023 list of leading firms and business lawyers.

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2021. Twenty-two of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s Bankruptcy and Environmental Law practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings.

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2021. Twenty-two of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s Bankruptcy and Environmental Law practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings.

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2020.  Twenty of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two bankruptcy practices with national Tier 1 rankings.  At the state level, an additional forty-two practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
 

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2020.  Twenty of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two bankruptcy practices with national Tier 1 rankings.  At the state level, an additional forty-two practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
 

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2019.  Eighteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two practices with national Tier 1 rankings:  Litigation and Bankruptcy.  At the state level, an additional forty-six practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.

U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2019.  Eighteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two practices with national Tier 1 rankings:  Litigation and Bankruptcy.  At the state level, an additional forty-six practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.

Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate

Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018.  Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings:  Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate.  At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.

Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate

Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018.  Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings:  Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate.  At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report

The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.

Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report

The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.

Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.