Real Estate
land use and other regulatory proceedings
Our experienced and knowledgeable land use attorneys help clients navigate the overlapping local regulations and federal and state laws to permit land use projects for development. We work with our clients to review and assist in drafting permit applications and environmental documentation; research and answer legal inquiries; and provide general advice, negotiation and strategy direction. Services include:
- Representing developers, commercial and residential property owners, and institutional clients in front of regulatory and administrative agencies for all land use matters.
- Helping conduct investigations of property prior to completing purchase or financing transactions
- Advising on land use entitlements for development of projects and the approval process for real estate development, including matters related to building and construction, zoning, special use permits, planned unit developments, subdivision, and owners’ associations.
- Preparing and reviewing permit applications, and negotiating with local government staff to obtain approval for all types of land use applications: subdivisions and short plats, rezones, comprehensive plan amendments, conditional use permits and variances, site plan review applications, shoreline permits, development agreements, planning interpretations, and wetland permits.
- Presenting development projects to hearing examiners and local, regional, and state land use boards.
- Defending land use projects or challenging agency decisions before county and city councils, and, when necessary, in courts.
- Drafting and advocating for local or state legislative amendments on behalf of clients or as volunteer members of committees to ensure coherent planning considerations are given to land use and development regulations, as well as coordinated transportation and infrastructure systems.
- Reviewing and assessing proposed development of structures and landmarks under local, state and federal historic preservation standards and guidelines, including designation of structures and compliance with historic preservation laws and regulations.
For environmental matters related to real estate, please see our Natural Resources & Manufacturing Industry Team.
