Land Use

Entitlements and Project Approvals

• Led entitlement and CEQA compliance efforts for the Cotino™ master-planned community in Rancho Mirage, including a Specific Plan, Development Agreement, Environmental Impact Report, and related infrastructure agreements.
• Secured approvals for the 1,300-home Vinedo Specific Plan project in Paso Robles, including negotiation of a Development Agreement addressing infrastructure cost-sharing and financing.
• Represented Pulte Group in acquiring and entitling the 1,200-home Del Webb at Rancho Mirage project, including annexation and coordination with local and federal agencies.
• Secured entitlements for multiple large-scale residential, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects across California, including specific plans, subdivisions, and development agreements.

Environmental Review and CEQA 

• Served as land use and CEQA counsel for the Harvest at Limoneira master-planned community, including environmental review supporting expansion to more than 2,000 homes.
• Advised clients on CEQA compliance strategies for residential, hospitality, energy, and infrastructure projects throughout California.
• Coordinated environmental review processes with consultants and agencies for projects requiring Environmental Impact Reports and complex mitigation strategies.
• Defended project approvals in CEQA litigation and related administrative challenges.

Government and Agency Interface

• Negotiated approvals and agreements with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local agencies in connection with large-scale residential development projects.
• Represented tribal, public agency, and private clients in permitting matters involving federal, state, and regional agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and California Coastal Commission.
• Structured and negotiated intergovernmental and infrastructure agreements supporting energy and development projects on tribal and public lands, including coordination with utility providers and regulatory bodies.
• Advised clients in navigating multi-agency approval processes involving overlapping jurisdictional requirements and stakeholder interests.

Land Use Strategy and Due Diligence

• Advised developers and investors on entitlement strategy and regulatory risk in connection with acquisitions and development of large-scale residential, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects.
• Conducted land use due diligence and feasibility analysis for projects involving annexations, zoning changes, environmental constraints, and agency approvals.
• Structured development strategies to align entitlement pathways with project timelines, financing requirements, and exit objectives.
• Coordinated land use strategy with real estate transactions, financing, and development teams to support project execution.

Land Use Litigation and Disputes

• Defended CEQA challenges to project approvals, securing favorable outcomes for developers and public agency clients.
• Represented clients in land use and zoning disputes involving agency decisions, development approvals, and property rights.
• Successfully litigated and resolved disputes involving environmental compliance, permitting, and entitlement-related issues.
• Advised clients on risk mitigation and dispute resolution strategies in connection with contested development, energy, and infrastructure projects.

When should we involve land use counsel in a project?

Ideally, at the earliest stages of evaluating a site or opportunity. Early involvement allows us to assess entitlement feasibility, identify regulatory risks, and structure a strategy that aligns approvals with development timelines and investment objectives.

Can you help determine whether a project is feasible from a land use perspective?

Yes. We advise clients on zoning, general plan consistency, environmental constraints, and approval requirements to evaluate whether a project can be entitled and what risks may affect timing, cost, or viability.

What approvals are typically required for a development project in California?

Approvals vary by project, but often include zoning changes, general plan amendments, development agreements, subdivisions, conditional use permits, and environmental review under CEQA. We help identify the required approvals and guide clients through the sequencing and strategy for obtaining them.

How does CEQA impact development projects?

CEQA can significantly affect project timing, cost, and risk. We advise on compliance strategies, coordinate with environmental consultants, and help structure projects to manage exposure. We also defend approvals if they are challenged.

How do you work with agencies and stakeholders during the approval process?

We work directly with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as consultants and stakeholders, to move projects through the approval process. This includes coordinating submissions, negotiating conditions of approval, and addressing issues that arise during review.

Do you provide land use planning services in addition to legal counsel?

Yes. Our team includes in-house land use planning capabilities, allowing us to integrate legal strategy with practical planning insight. This coordination helps streamline the entitlement process, improve communication with agencies and consultants, and align project design with regulatory requirements.

How do you help manage entitlement risk and project timelines?

We focus on early risk identification, coordinated strategy, and clear documentation of approvals. By aligning land use strategy with development and financing objectives, we help clients reduce delays and maintain project momentum.

What happens if a project approval is challenged?

We represent clients in administrative and judicial proceedings, including CEQA litigation and land use disputes. Our goal is to defend approvals efficiently and position projects to proceed with minimal disruption.

Can you assist with projects involving multiple jurisdictions or tribal lands?

Yes. We have experience working across overlapping jurisdictions, including coordination with tribal governments, federal agencies, and local authorities. We help navigate jurisdictional issues and structure approvals to address competing regulatory requirements.