GA Specific

Real Estate

Georgia Land Use and Zoning From Start to Finish

Credits Available
Credit Status Total
Georgia CLE Approved 6 Total
OnDemand
5 hours 52 minutes
Andrea Pearson
Thomas Mitchell
J. Paul Mitchell
Troy Covington
Ronnie Thompson
With Andrea J. Pearson from Bloom Parham, LLP + 4 others
Recorded March 30, 2026.
Product ID 101494

Buy This Course

Course Includes
$389

OnDemand Video

Course Book Download

or
Upgrade to Unlimited CLE and Get This Course
$129/month
All Inclusive CLE subscribers save an average of $3,000/year on CLE costs.

Overview

A Practical Guide to Land Use and Zoning Approvals and Issues

Zoning and land use cases are diverse and numerous, and often completely unique to specific circumstances. This comprehensive online seminar will give you working knowledge of the regulatory framework and practical tips for approval processes. Speed up the progress and reach successful resolution to any issue that arises. Don't miss this chance to take your land use and zoning knowledge to the next level - register today!

  • Hear how the latest local zoning and land use decisions are re-shaping the practice and learn what you need to do to adapt.
  • Confidently determine which authority is the decision-maker on each unique matter.
  • Explore constitutional limitations on government zoning actions.
  • Walk through the approval processes and get practical tips from experienced practitioners on ensuring compliance and speeding up the process.
  • Master the essential steps of obtaining and retaining conditional use permits.
  • Learn how to amend zoning ordinances and maps.
  • Follow the zoning appeals process step-by-step and get specific advice for top zoning issues.
  • Guard your professional reputation with a legal ethics guide tailored to your practice.
  • Learn how short-term rentals are challenging long-standing zoning regulations and practices.

Abbreviated Agenda

  1. Land Use and Zoning Fundamentals, Case Law, and Legal Update
  2. Navigating the Land Use Approval Process
  3. Challenging/Defending the Constitutionality of Zoning and Land Use Actions
  4. Variances and Conditional Use Permits: Proving/Disproving Unique Conditions
  5. Appealing Zoning Decisions: Local, Regional, and State Considerations
  6. Short-Term Rentals: Navigating Uncharted Waters of Airbnb and Vrbo Zoning and Land Use Issues
  7. Ethics in Zoning and Land Use Law

Related Topics

Product ID 101494

Credit Details

Credits Available
Credit Status Total
Georgia CLE Approved 6 Total
Select Jurisdiction
CLE

Agenda

All times are shown in

  1. Land Use and Zoning Fundamentals, Case Law, and Legal Update

    1. Land Use vs. Zoning
    2. How the Approval Process Works: A Brief Overview
    3. The Scope of Zoning Board Authority
    4. Vested Rights, Estoppel, and Moratoria
    5. Regulatory Framework: State Building Code, Comprehensive Plans, Local Ordinances, and More
    6. Current Case Law and Legislative Updates

  2. Navigating the Land Use Approval Process

    1. Determining Where the Decision Authority Lies
    2. Aligning with Comprehensive Plans, Subdivision Regulations, etc.
    3. The Application: Complete Checklist of Information to Include
    4. The Permitting Process Walkthrough
    5. Following the Environmental Review Process
    6. Open Meeting Laws and Practical Tips

  3. Challenging/Defending the Constitutionality of Zoning and Land Use Actions

    1. Takings Without Just Compensation
    2. Due Process Challenges
    3. Equal Protection Challenges
    4. Property Rights and Limitations on Police Power

  4. Variances and Conditional Use Permits: Proving/Disproving Unique Conditions

    1. Complying with Requirements: Use vs. Area Variances
    2. Unique Circumstances or Conditions: Providing Supporting Evidence
    3. Disproving Detriments to Neighbors, the Public, etc.
    4. Navigating Conditional Use Review Process
    5. Proving/Disproving Conditions are Unreasonable
    6. Preventing and Addressing Conditional Use Violations

  5. Appealing Zoning Decisions: Local, Regional, and State Considerations

    1. The Appeals Process Step-by-Step
    2. Obtaining Judicial Review of a Local Decision
    3. Using Litigation to Resolve a Zoning Case
    4. Specific Tips for Resolving Top Zoning Issues

  6. Short-Term Rentals: Navigating Uncharted Waters of Airbnb and Vrbo Zoning and Land Use Issues

    1. When are Short-Term Rentals Commercial Properties?
    2. Short-Term Rental Ordinances: What Works, What Doesn't, and What Leads to Lawsuits
    3. Enforcing Short-Term Rental Laws and Violations: Top Issues and Challenges
    4. Challenging Local Short-Term Rental Laws: Key Lessons From the Front Lines
    5. Apartments and Short-Term Rentals: Critical Landlord and Tenant Concerns
    6. The Short-Term Rental Industry: Current Issues and Legal Updates

  7. Ethics in Zoning and Land Use Law

    1. Ethical Issues Unique to the Planning and Zoning Arena
    2. Adhering to the Rules of Professional Conduct and Avoiding Legal Malpractice
    3. Identifying and Preventing Conflicts of Interest
    4. Ex Parte Contacts with Decision Makers

Who Should Attend

This basic-to-intermediate level online seminar is designed for:

  • Attorneys
  • Local Zoning and Land Use Professionals
  • Developers and Contractors
  • City Planners
  • Civil Engineers
  • Architects
  • Real Estate Brokers/Agents
  • Paralegals

Speakers

Andrea J Pearson
Andrea J.
Pearson
Bloom Parham, LLP
Thomas M Mitchell
Thomas M.
Mitchell
Carothers & Mitchell, LLC
J. Paul Mitchell
J. Paul
Mitchell
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP
Troy R Covington
Troy R.
Covington
Bloom Parham, LLP
Ronnie Thompson
Ronnie
Thompson
Bloom Parham, LLP
Speaker bio
Andrea J Pearson

Andrea J. Pearson

Bloom Parham, LLP
Andrea Pearson

is a partner at Bloom Parham, LLP, where she primarily represents clients across the development and construction industry litigating against local governments over entitlement and development issues. Her representations include litigation over rezoning denials, special permit denials, constitutional issues, administrative appeals, and vested rights. Ms. Pearson earned her J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law and her B.S. degree, summa cum laude, in psychology from the University of Georgia where she was Phi Beta Kappa. She is licensed to appear before the Supreme Court of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Ms. Pearson is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. She has served as barrister with the Bleckley American Inn of Court and the Columbus American Inn of Court, an invitation-only group.

View full profile
Speaker bio
Thomas M Mitchell

Thomas M. Mitchell

Carothers & Mitchell, LLC
Thomas Mitchell

is a partner of the law firm of Carothers & Mitchell, LLC, located in Buford. He serves as city attorney for Demorest and Hiawassee, while his firm represents several other cities. Mr. Mitchell represents various counties in the areas of civil rights, land use, eminent domain and nuisance. His litigation practice includes representation of numerous cities, as well as several small businesses and individuals. Mr. Mitchell also represents clients with regard to real estate, zoning and permitting, access and boundary disputes, construction, and foreclosure. He has spoken many times in the past on zoning and other land use issues. Mr. Mitchell earned his undergraduate degree, with distinction, from the University of Virginia and his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia Law School.

View full profile
Speaker bio
J. Paul Mitchell

J. Paul Mitchell

Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP
J. Paul Mitchell

is a partner at Freeman Mathis & Gray LLP in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in professional liability, construction, design, and land use disputes, representing clients in both litigation and appeals. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Mitchell gained significant experience representing businesses, local governments, and individuals in construction, real property, zoning, contract, and commercial matters. He also has a robust background defending clients in professional liability cases. Mr. Mitchell is admitted to practice in Georgia. He earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law, serving on the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law. Mr. Mitchell also holds a B.A. degree in international studies from Brigham Young University, where he graduated with University Honors.

View full profile
Speaker bio
Troy R Covington

Troy R. Covington

Bloom Parham, LLP
Troy Covington

is a partner with the law firm of Bloom Parham, LLP. In his role with Bloom Parham, LLP, he counsels clients on business matters involving trademark and trade secret claims, contract disputes, corporate governance disputes, partnership disputes, business torts, church governance disputes, and lender liability. Mr. Covington is broadly experienced in litigation, having represented clients at every level of the state and federal courts in Georgia. He earned his B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Birmingham-Southern College and his J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University Law School. Mr. Covington is admitted to the State Bar of Georgia, United States Supreme Court, Georgia Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court for the Northern, Southern and Middle districts of Georgia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal and Eleventh circuits. He is a member of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and the Atlanta International Arbitration Society. 

View full profile
Speaker bio
Ronnie Thompson

Ronnie Thompson

Bloom Parham, LLP
Ronnie Thompson

is an associate at Bloom Parham, LLP, where he focuses his practice on land use and construction litigation. He represents developer clients in matters against local governments, which include litigation regarding rezoning denials, administrative appeals, and vested rights. Before entering private practice, Mr. Thompson served as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. He earned his J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from Georgia State University College of Law and his B.A. degree in political science, summa cum laude, from the University of Georgia. 

View full profile
Loading recommendations...

TOP FAQs

How do I access my courses?
Courses are available within your account. Simply login to your account and click on My Courses. If you require additional assistance please call our Customer Service Department at 800-930-6182.
Do you have options for attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Closed captioning is available for all Live Webinars. After you've joined the event room, you can enable closed captioning by clicking the "cc" button in the lower right of the player.
What happens if my course is cancelled?
In the unlikely event that NBI cancels or reschedules an upcoming program, each registered attendee will be contacted via email by a representative of NBI. Outreach to attendees begins as soon as NBI is made aware that a program will not move forward at its originally scheduled date and time.
Are multiple attendee discounts available?
Yes, the more people you bring from your organization, the more you save. After the first registration, each additional attendee receives a special discount off of their total tuition.
When will the OnDemand be available and how long will I have access to the content?
The OnDemand Video will be available to stream within 7 days of live broadcast date. You will have access to the content for 6 months in your account. If you’re a subscriber, you’ll have access to your course recordings until 7 days after the expiration date of the subscription.
What is included with my course purchase?
When you enroll prior to the live event date you will receive access to the live-streaming webinar which will allow you to interact with faculty in real-time. With each course, you will receive access to the content via OnDemand Streaming and the Video Download. Course reference materials are included with each course purchase in a downloadable PDF format.
Will I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes, we'll email you a certificate of completion and store in your account for any future reporting needs.
Can multiple people watch courses and request credit?
While only paid registrants can receive continuing education credit for attending, there are no limitations to the number of viewers at each connection.

Have more questions? Please Contact Us