Thoughtful. Grounded. Public-minded.
Ryan Lizanecz is a municipal and land use attorney who works at the intersection of local government, zoning, and real estate.
Ryan advises both municipalities and private clients on navigating complex regulatory frameworks, working closely with developers, business and property owners, and municipal officials on zoning and land use regulations, permitting, administrative appeals, ordinance drafting, and local governance. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of how local governments operate—and how to move projects and policy initiatives forward efficiently from strategy through decision-making.
I’m drawn to municipal and land use work because it is where local government operations meet the daily lives of residents, neighborhoods and businesses. Whether I’m representing a public or private client, I enjoy helping clients navigate local processes in a way that’s practical, transparent, and responsive to the realities on the ground.
What he's great at
Ryan’s municipal law practice includes advising on:
- Zoning and land use approvals, permitting, and regulatory compliance
- Administrative appeals and quasi-judicial proceedings
- Ordinance drafting and interpretation
- Real estate and housing-related land use matters
- Municipal governance, charter issues, and elections
- Environmental and coastal considerations related to development
Why you'll enjoy working with him
Ryan brings firsthand experience with municipal decision-making to his legal practice. He currently serves on the City of Portland’s Zoning Board of Appeals, where he acts in a quasi-judicial capacity—conducting public hearings, making findings of fact and conclusions of law, and issuing written decisions under state and local zoning standards.
Before joining Bernstein Shur, Ryan represented both municipalities and private clients in land use and real estate matters at Maine-based law firms, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the competing priorities that often arise in local government and private development. A Portland native, he is deeply invested in Maine’s communities and the policies that shape them.
Who he is off the clock
Outside of his legal practice, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring Maine’s natural landscapes, and traveling whenever possible. An amateur historian with a particular fondness for American history, he enjoys reading in his free time. He also enjoys trying new baking recipes when the opportunity arises. Ryan lives in Portland’s West End with his fiancé and three cats.