John C. Cappello
Partner
– Experienced Land Use Law Attorney in Hudson Valley, NY
John C. Cappello is a Partner at J&G Law, LLP and has been with the firm since 1988. A highly respected Land Use Law Attorney, Mr. Cappello focuses his practice on land use, zoning, and municipal law across the Hudson Valley region.
Experienced Land Use Law Attorney Representation for Complex Land Use Applications
Mr. Cappello represents private developers in multi-phase and large-scale land use applications, including:
- Commercial and industrial site plans
- Residential subdivisions
- Religious, educational, and institutional developments
- Multi-family, market rate affordable housing, and senior citizen projects
- Planned and mixed-use development projects
- Solar and renewable energy projects
- SEQRA compliance including coordination to demonstrate compliance with all local, county, New York State federal issues and rules and regulations, including but not limited to:
- New York State and Federal Wetland Regulations
- State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Requirements
- New York State and Federal endangered species Acts
- New York State Department of Transportation
- All other county, state, and federal requirements
He regularly serves as legal counsel to Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Appeal, helping guide municipalities through the land use approval process with compliance, efficiency, and legal clarity.
Leadership in Green Development and Sustainable Land Use
As a Land Use Law Attorney, Mr. Cappello is frequently invited to present on topics such as:
- Equitable housing development
- Green development initiatives
- Land use approval strategies
- Zoning innovation and drafting of regulations to promote solar and alternative energy
Professional Involvement & Public Service
Mr. Cappello is Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Land Use, Green Development, and Environmental Law Committee, part of the Local and State Government Law Section.
In addition to his legal work, John remains active in the community, having served as:
- President of RECAP (Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc.)
- Trustee for the Josephine Louise Public Library
- Board Member of the O+ Festival
- Vice-President of Mid-Hudson Habitat for Humanity
- Member of the Pattern for Progress Affordable Housing Committee
John is also a proud recipient of the 2015 Orange County Human Rights Commission Award and completed a marathon as part of the Leukemia Society Team.
Areas of Practice
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Residential, Commercial, and Mixed-Use Development
- SEQRA and Environmental Compliance
- Municipal Law and Board Representation
- Real Estate and Regulatory Compliance
- Affordable and Senior Housing Development
- Alternative Energy Permitting
Contact John
Bar Admissions
Education
Professional Associations and Memberships
Awards and Recognitions
- Hudson Valley Magazine Top Attorney, 2026
- Orange County Human Rights Commission Award, 2015
Classes, Seminars & Published Works
- Decommissioning and End of Life Treatment Session for the Capital Region Land Use Leadership Alliance (LULA), April 29, 2026 in Saratoga Springs.
- Decommissioning and End of Life Treatment Session for the Land Use Leadership Alliance (LULA) Training Program for Clean Energy with NYSERDA, November 2025
- Orange County Economic Summit, panelist on community preparedness with fellow panelists Adam Bosch of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, Donna Conklin of Pattycake Playhouse, and Inaudy Gil of the Orange County Human Rights Commission, 2024
Partners
