Kathryn M. Mehaffey represents municipalities and works directly with planning directors, city managers and elected officials on land use, planning, zoning and general municipal matters. Her practice is focused on developing and applying land use and zoning tools to help local governments effectively and efficiently manage development and long range planning issues.
Kathy is experienced in drafting and reviewing land development regulations addressing routine zoning issues, such as conditional uses, procedures, development standards, nonconformities, and variances, as well as sensitive, constitutionally protected land uses such as signs, adult uses, and religious uses.
She has researched, developed documentation and legislative backgrounds necessary to create defensible First Amendment regulations providing protections for local governments and residents while preserving constitutional rights.
In addition, Kathy works closely with local government elected officials and staff to implement their local codes effectively, consistently and cost efficiently. She has drafted and assisted with the implementation of transportation and school concurrency programs, as well as numerous development approval procedures and requests.
Prior to joining us, Kathy worked as a litigator handling pre-trial matters and appeals. Her efforts included the successful appeal of an illegal insurance practice charge to the Fourth District Court of Appeal and a successful contract award including fees on a motion for summary judgment.
Kathy has also worked as a municipal planner in Texas and Florida developing and implementing comprehensive plans and neighborhood plans to encourage and guide redevelopment in deteriorating and mixed use neighborhoods.
She developed a neighborhood traffic program to address cut through and high speed traffic issues in residential neighborhoods which lacked traditional zoning and land use protections and helped create the neighborhood planning program in Houston, Texas.
As a planner, she has also worked on intergovernmental coordination and consistency teams and with State agencies and local boards and agencies to address the development, adoption and approval of comprehensive plans, comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings and land development regulations.
Education:
- Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, JD, 2006
- Iowa State University, BS, Community and Regional Planning, 1984
Professional/Civic Activities:
- Environmental and Land Use Law Section of The Florida Bar
- American Planning Association
- Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
- School Board, Our Savior Lutheran School
- P.E.O. Sisterhood
Cost
Rate : $$$