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Question
i want to start a junk yard and i like to know what kind of land should i be looking for
Hastings:
Contact whatever government entity (municipal, county, state, etc.) that would have jurisdiction over the area where you would like to start your junk yard and ask to speak with the zoning department staff or whoever it is that deals with land use matters in that area. The professionals that deal with land use issues will be able to direct you to the answer to your question.
The actual zoning classification in different regions throughout the country will be named or given various numerical and alphabetic codes that will signify the appropriate land classification for a junk yard. I suspect it will likely be some form of Industrial zoned property, but if you contact the applicable government office, someone will be a specialist that deals with Land Use & Zoning.
Finally, if you actually go to the land use or zoning office, they may very well have a zoning manual that applies to the land you are interested in, and the manual will not only explain the various land use codes, but will likely explain the land development process for that area. If so, it should tell you step by step the forms you need to file, the different agencies you will need to work with, and the various hearings that may or may not need to be held, etc.
There are probably many environmental regulations that need to be addressed in addition to the other steps in the process, and it may be that you will need to have a zoning & land use attorney represent you in this effort as it can get complex depending upon the area you are in.
Don't be deterred by the process. I have a good friend that owns one of the largest junk yards on the East Coast, and his yard amazes me. Most people have no idea how sophisticated the junk business has become.
Hang in there.
-Jim
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Answers by Expert:
Jim Avancena, CPM
Expertise
Best qualified to answer questions that involve commercial leases, that is, basic issues as well as the often unexpected effects of the complexities and inter-relationships of the provisions a lease may contain, explain how seemingly innocuous text in your lease can have a major impact on a Tenant or Landlord and their business operations, and the common practices utilized in the industry. I can untangle most matters that may come up from the time a tenant begins searching for a office or store space and the lease acquisition process, concerns related to remodeling/improving the leased premises, moving-in, subletting or assigning the leased space, and a long list of problems that may come up during the lease term and even after a tenant moves out. I have practical experience with most property management issues and resolving landlord and tenant disputes - especially those involving what may appear to be overcharges assessed for additional lease charges like CAM costs, operating expense reimbursement, real estate taxes, utilities, construction improvements etc. Note that I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice.
Experience
Thirty years active experience in the commercial real estate industry as a licensed real estate broker in the Washington DC Metro area (DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland). I have been admitted (approved) by the Maryland and DC courts to testify as an expert witness on the subjects of Commercial Leasing and Property Management in the area of standard industry practices. I have had a business for the last 14 years advising virtually every form of business entity from large national corporations to the smallest ma & pa new businesses regarding a wide range of commercial real estate matters in addition to property management and commercial leasing.
Organizations
Currently my three children keep me so busy that it is difficult to participate in organizations with continuing and specific time requirements.
Publications
I publish a local commercial real estate newsletter titled: "Tenants First". My firm was the subject of a high profile Washington Post business section cover page (2.25 full pages) feature story on January 13, 1993; titled "Overcharging Overhead".
Education/Credentials
BA in Political Science from Memphis University, and five years of study in the real estate development summer program at MIT. I was certified as a commercial property manager (CPM-IREM), and currently hold a brokers license in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Awards and Honors
The same plaques and honors that most others in my industry have earned. I have none that I consider especially meaningful.
Past/Present Clients
Past clients include: The World Bank, George Washington University, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, US Department of Commerce, The American Benefits Council, K-Mart Development, many law firms, a national union, other major organizations, and many, many small business firms and retail operators that I am most honored to serve. I estimate more than 1,500 firms/organizations.
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