Opening any business nowadays is a tall order. It takes a ton of capital, a truckload of patience, and in many cases, it takes knowing the right people. To open a dance studio, you must find the right location, build out a large space, hire quality instructors, employ staff, and invest heavily in marketing and advertising.
But even BEFORE a new business can hit the stage, some dance studio owners and developers must sidestep a few landmines. In this particular case, the dance studio had to get approval for a minor site plan and use variance from the Township of Berlin Zoning Board.
Rather than navigating the murky and often confusing waters of land use approvals alone, this dance center hired KD Law Group. As a result of our work and theirs, we are pleased to share that the application received unanimous approval for this growing dance studio!
What Are Use Variance and Minor Site Plan Approvals?
Naturally, all commercial developments must comply with its town’s zoning regulations. If the property owner wants to use a building or site for a purpose that is not currently allowed under the town’s zoning regulations, they must often get approval for a use variance.
In this case, KD Law helped this dance studio present a use variance application to the Township of Berlin Zoning Board. By proving the use will benefit the community and will not negatively disrupt the surrounding area, the dance center owner was granted 100% approval!
Unlike a use variance approval, a minor site plan approval is precisely what its name implies. It is required when a business proposes changes that affect the site layout or operations. This may include parking adjustments or building modifications, but doesn’t include major construction or redevelopment.
Because the Berlin dance studio won unanimous approval for their minor site plan, they are able to make the minor modifications that better meet the needs of their business.
Another Win For South Jersey and KD Law… Let The Dancing Begin!
Does South Jersey need another gas station? Or burger joint? Or car wash? Perhaps not. But, by bringing in a new dance studio, both children, teens, and adults can exercise, learn, express themselves, and have the time of their lives.
KD Law Group has been privileged to play an important role in helping many new and growing businesses to open faster, with less red tape, and with the site plan and related land use approvals they need to flourish. We love South Jersey, and we’re always proud to assist small businesses and community organizers as they navigate the local land use process and bring valuable services to the region.
If you are planning a project that may require zoning, planning, or land use approvals, KD Law is here to guide you through every step. (Even if it’s not a two-step.)
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