Overview
Toby Coleman practices in the areas of land use, zoning, municipal law, commercial real estate and construction. He helps developers, landowners and others navigate the complex and varied processes for obtaining government approvals and permits for land development. Toby has deep experience in representing clients in all phases of the development permitting process, and has handled contested rezonings and quasi-judicial proceedings before boards, commissions and other authorities throughout North Carolina. Toby also is a litigator with knowledge of and experience in the unique aspects of land use law, construction law and real estate law.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Recognition
- Chambers USA, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (2023-2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Land Use and Zoning Law (2020-2025)
- Real Estate Law (2024-2025)
- Super Lawyers
- North Carolina Super Lawyers (2025)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star (2014-2020)
- Editor-in-Chief, Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy
Education
- Duke University, J.D., cum laude, 2010
- Duke University, B.A., cum laude, 2000
Bar & Court Admissions
- North Carolina
Affiliations
- Member, Board of Directors, Triangle Community Coalition (2017-2021)
- Chair (2021)
- Vice Chair (2020)
- Secretary (2019)
- Member, Board of Directors BarCARES (2014-Present)
- President
- First Vice President
- Member, Section Council, Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section of the North Carolina Bar Association (2018-Present)
- Co-Chair, Communications Committee (2018-Present)
- Member, Urban Land Institute Triangle District Council
- Management Committee (2015-2016)
- Chair, Communications Committee (2015-2016)
- Member, Design Professionals Liaison Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association (2014-2016)
- Raleigh Chamber, Leadership Raleigh, Class 38
Experience
- Represented owner/developer of a $200 million ecommerce distribution facility in a contested permitting case in order to successfully obtain the necessary land use approvals to begin operations.
- Secured the issuance of all zoning and land use approvals for the conversion of a vacant “big box” retail store to office uses near Research Triangle Park.
- Represented developer in rezoning of property for a new 155,000 square foot office tower.
- Assisted a national affordable housing developer in rezoning multiple properties around the state for affordable housing, including successfully defending a neighbor’s appeal of the approval of a 60-unit affordable housing development on the North Carolina coast.
