Erik W. Snipas focuses his practice on land use and zoning matters, serving clients across Nassau County, Long Island, and Oyster Bay. He represents property owners, developers, REITs, and businesses in zoning, planning, and land use matters involving variances, special use permits, site plan approvals, code violations, and Article 78 proceedings.
His practice is shaped by his litigation background, which gives him a strong advantage in presenting persuasive arguments, anticipating municipal concerns, and navigating high-stakes land use disputes. He uses that experience to help clients pursue practical, results-oriented approvals before local boards and agencies throughout Long Island. Erik counsels clients on the legal and practical issues involved in development approvals, municipal board appearances, and contested land use matters.
He regularly assists clients seeking:
•Variances
•Special use permits
•Site plan approvals
•Subdivision approvals
•Parking variances
•Sign variances
•Use variances
•Article 78 relief
•Representation in code violation matters
Long Island Experience
Erik appears before zoning, planning, and other municipal boards throughout Long Island. His experience spans multiple towns and villages, including Glen Cove, Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Hempstead, Huntington, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and several North Shore villages.
This broad municipal experience is especially valuable for clients seeking a Long Island zoning attorney who understands how different local boards evaluate variance requests, site plans, special permits, and redevelopment proposals.
Nassau County and Oyster Bay
Erik has deep experience with land use matters in Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay. His experience includes securing numerous minor and major subdivision approvals from the Nassau County Planning Commission and variances from the Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals for a four-lot subdivision.
He has also represented clients before the Town of Oyster Bay Town Board, the Oyster Bay Planning Advisory Board, and the Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals in matters involving restaurant repurposing, drive-through use, warehouse development, and other commercial and mixed-use applications.
Before joining Greenberg Traurig, Erik served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted violent and non-violent felony matters and handled trials, motions, witness examinations, and negotiations. That courtroom experience supports his land use practice by strengthening his advocacy in contested municipal and litigation settings.
He also served as a legal intern with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Central Islip and the Office of the New York State Attorney General.
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, “Ones to Watch,” Land Use & Zoning Law, 2024-2026
•Listed, Long Island Business News, “40 Under Forty,” 2025
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, New York Metro Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2020-2025
•Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2023
