John has more than 30 years of experience in land use law and real estate litigation. Based in the Raleigh-Durham region, John practices throughout North Carolina. He represents all types of business clients - developers, end users and land owners - when they attempt to use their land or maximize its value through securing entitlements, forming public-private agreements or handling litigation.
Because John represents private clients as well as local governments, he has an understanding of the economic and policy issues which influence governmental officials and private companies. Consequently, he frequently negotiates and drafts specialized agreements and local laws for clients. Building on his land use and zoning practice, John has developed niches in the areas of water regulations which restrict the use of land and complex civil litigation concerning unusual issues and matters of first impression such as historic lighthouses and the limits of local government powers.
John provides comprehensive solutions for all aspects of land use and zoning law problems. Whether a new or existing development, John’s goal is to secure all of the entitlements from local, state and federal agencies needed to enable the client to build its plans.
More Legal and Business Bylines From John C Cooke
- NCGS Chapter 160D is the New Law of the Land (Planning and Development Regulations) – Highlights for Development Professionals - (Posted On Wednesday, January 27, 2021)
- Alleging and Proving Standing to Challenge Rezoning - (Posted On Friday, December 08, 2017)
- Land Use and Quasi-judicial Zoning: Hey, Man, I Started the Ruckus—You Can’t Leave me Behind - (Posted On Tuesday, December 13, 2016)
- Campbell v. City of Statesville: Politics and Impartiality Equals Oil and Water - (Posted On Thursday, November 10, 2016)
- Quasi-judicial Land Use in North Carolina: Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood… and I took the Smooth, Safe Path - (Posted On Friday, October 28, 2016)
- How Do Zoning Regulations Generally Work? [VIDEO] - (Posted On Thursday, October 27, 2016)
- Quicksands and Cutting Edges of Law: Do Municipal Utility Customers Possess Due Process and Vested Rights to Continued Sewerage Service? - (Posted On Monday, October 17, 2016)
- No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Sanchez v. Cobblestone Homeowners Ass’n - (Posted On Thursday, September 15, 2016)
- A Distinction without a Difference: Quality Homes v. Town Carthage - (Posted On Thursday, August 25, 2016)
- Acts Ret.-Life Cmtys., Inc. v. Town of Columbus: Sometimes, Finding Justice is Subtle - (Posted On Thursday, August 11, 2016)