Local Government
Important work gets done in city halls around the state, and Benesch helps its clients get great results on the local level. This includes advocacy involving legislative measures and procurement. Benesch has a growing reputation in zoning and land-use, where its lawyers have won notable victories before local boards, commissions and courts. Benesch also represents counties and municipalities from time to time, adding to our knowledge of and relationships with local government.
Experience
- Successfully advocated against City of Cleveland proposed ordinance holding security alarm companies financially responsible for false alarms.
- Worked with City of Cleveland to allow Ringling Bros. Circus to proceed over legal objections to the use of an elephant guide.
- Served as outside general counsel to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish’s transition team.
- Advised Cuyahoga County Board of Elections on competing ballot issues to reform county government.
- Represented various clients in their challenge to the Cleveland School tuition vouchers program.
- Obtained declaration of similar permitted use and conditional use permit on behalf of national transportation company for operation of regional dispatch and preventative maintenance facility.
- Obtained use variance to operate facility on behalf of an international machine gear works company.
- Obtained use variance allowing law firm to operate in residential district.
- Defeated in litigation attempt by landowner to build structure over objections of neighbor.
- Represented multiple clients in zoning and land use matters in Ohio and around the country.
- Provided Pro-bono counsel to Chicago City Council Latino Caucus regarding re-districting process.
- Drafted and lobbied for passage of local government ordinance amending City of Columbus noise code to protect manufacturing business’ property rights threatened by rezoning of neighboring property.
- Resolved administrative appeal challenging township denial of zoning variance for an accessory structure. Structure ultimately allowed.
- Obtained rezoning of parcel to permit construction of apartment building.
- Won at trial decision overturning BZA order denying requested zoning variances.
Key Contacts
Articles and Presentations