Richard C. DeMarco
PHILADELPHIA
(215) 940-8562
rcdm@elliottgreenleaf.com
Richard DeMarco concentrates on zoning and land use, real estate, real estate litigation and government relations. He is one of the authors of the new Philadelphia Zoning Code, having served on the Philadelphia Zoning Code Commission, which recently completed work on reforming and modernizing the new Philadelphia Zoning Code, which will beneficially affect development in the City for decades to come. Mr. DeMarco contributed significantly to the new Code, influencing provisions for infill residential development, non-conforming uses and their expansion, treatment of special exceptions, treatment of restaurants and nightclubs, and treatment of group homes and transitional housing.
Mr. DeMarco frequently represents clients before local Zoning Boards, obtaining variances and other complicated zoning relief. He has represented major restaurant chains, banks, high rise residential towers, residential management companies, industrial companies, religious use and small businesses and individuals. Mr. DeMarco has also been involved in significant appellate work, including numerous appearances before the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and Commonwealth Court. Mr. DeMarco has also frequently represented group homes, treatment centers, and transitional housing facilities, and has developed significant expertise in federal zoning law, including the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Mr. DeMarco has also appeared before numerous other Boards, including historical commissions, building code boards of appeal, fire safety boards, and other boards of review. Mr. DeMarco has also frequently appeared before these Boards in many of the counties and townships outside of Philadelphia.
Mr. DeMarco also has a substantial real estate and real estate litigation practice. He has frequently handled enforcement matters against municipalities, obtaining injunctions to prevent draconian enforcement efforts against clients. He has also represented numerous clients in boundary disputes, easement issues and disputes, title issues and claims, condominium and homeowners association matters, real estate transactional litigation, and zoning and related litigation. Mr. DeMarco has also handled construction litigation matters, and mechanic’s lien matters. He has also handled eminent domain matters.
Mr. DeMarco has also helped clients navigate the complicated legislative process in Philadelphia, helping clients obtain rezonings and other complicated zoning relief, and other legislation. He has also assisted clients in government relations matters, helping clients to reach the right elected or municipal official in order to address their legal needs.
Mr. DeMarco has a growing client base which includes major restaurants, banks, management companies, major developers and smaller developers, and individuals. He has also represented protesters and community groups.
Mr. DeMarco is active in numerous community associations, legal and political organizations. He is a Board member of the Justinian Society, and a Board member of the South Broad Street Neighbors Association. He is a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Society, and the Philadelphia Lawyers Club. He is also the Ward Counsel for the 39B Ward in South Philadelphia, and has been a local committeeman for over 17 years.
Mr. DeMarco lives in South Philadelphia with his wife and two children.
Publications
2011-Update on Zoning Reform,Legal Intelligencer
2010-Speaker-Zoning Reform Update, Housing Conference, Building Industry Association
2006-Speaker-Practical Guide to Zoning and Land Use Law, National Business Institute
2004-Speaker-Land Use Law Update in Pennsylvania, National Business Institute
This Attorney in the News
December 2011
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