Frequently Asked Questions

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We help our clients with Land Use & Zoning, Entitlements & Development Approvals, Real Estate Law, Land Development, Real Estate Transactions, Local Government Approvals, Property Rights & Easements. 

We represent clients throughout Sacramento County and the surrounding areas including the counties of Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Yuba, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus and cities such as , West Sacramento, Rocklin, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, and Folsom.

We are a Sacramento land use, entitlements, and real estate attorney helping clients navigate zoning, development approvals, CEQA, property transactions, and other complex land use matters.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires government agencies to evaluate a proposed development project’s environmental impact before approving it. We advise clients on CEQA compliance strategies to minimize exposure to litigation and streamline approvals. 

No. CEQA only applies to discretionary projects. Some projects may qualify for statutory or categorical exemptions, while others may require a detailed environmental analysis. Whether CEQA applies, and what level of review is required, depends on the project, the agency's actions, and the relevant legal requirements.

A land use attorney may assist with zoning restrictions, conditional use permits, variances, development entitlements, environmental review, subdivision approvals, land use disputes, and appeals of government decisions. The appropriate legal strategy depends on the property, proposed use, applicable regulations, and stage of the approval process.

Any  property owners, developers, real estate investors, businesses, architects, contractors, and development professional requesting land use approvals  or entitlements from a public agency(s).

Timelines vary based on the type of approval, project complexity, environmental review requirements, completeness of the application, agency feedback, and whether public hearings or additional revisions are necessary. Some administrative/staff-level approvals may take weeks or months, while more complex discretionary applications can take six months to a year or longer. A project-specific assessment can help identify potential delays and establish a more realistic timeline.

A land use entitlement is a government approval that authorizes a proposed use or development under specified conditions. Examples can include use permits, rezoning approvals, variances, and parcel and subdivision maps. The entitlements required for a project depend on existing zoning, the proposed development, and the applicable local regulations.subdivision approvals. The entitlements required for a project depend on existing zoning, the proposed development, and the applicable local regulations. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more how we can help.

Property zoning can generally be researched through the planning department or online mapping tools for the city or county where the property is located. Zoning regulations determine which uses may be permitted and can establish requirements for building height, setbacks, density, parking, and other development standards. Because requirements vary by jurisdiction and parcel, reviewing the applicable regulations is important before making plans for a property

In some circumstances, a property owner or developer can request a zoning change, often called a rezoning. The process typically involves an application, review by the relevant planning agency, and public hearings and decisions by local officials. Approval is not guaranteed, and the outcome depends on applicable planning policies, regulations, and project-specific factors.

Some uses are allowed in certain zoning district subject to approval of a use permit (also referred to a conditional use permit). Local jurisdictions have the discretion to approve the use permit, approve with conditions or deny an application for a use permit.  Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, a use permit may address requirements such as hours of operation or other development standards.