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Patricia E. Curtin

Attorney
Phone: 510.834.6600
Fax: 510.808.4729
E-mail: PCurtin@wendel.com v-card

Experience

With 25 years of focused experience, Patricia advises clients on applicable planning, zoning and environmental laws, prepares land use applications, and obtains project approvals, including environmental and regulatory permits.  Patricia's practice emphasizes local government and land use law representing both private and public sector clients.

Patricia manages and directs development projects from inception to ribbon cutting and also represents several public agencies as special land use counsel and is general counsel to twelve Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts. 

She has worked with landowners and developers of commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural property, including wine growers, wineries and related businesses; shopping center owners; hotel/resort owners; educational institutions; public agencies; and hospitals and other medical facilities.

Patricia has presented and written extensively on land use-related topics.  She is one of two authors of a national land use publication, "State & Local Government Land Use Liability" (Thomson West)

Education

  • McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento; J.D. (1987)
  • California State University, Chico, Political Science; B.A. (1984)

Close Admissions

  • State Bar of California
  • United States District Court, Northern District of California
  • United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court

Close Publications

  • “State and Local Government Land Use Liability,” co-author – Publisher West Group – updated annually
  • “Local Agency Control of Personal Wireless Service Facilities, ” Author (September 12, 2005)

Close Affiliations

  • City of Lafayette
    • Planning Commissioner
  • California Association of Geologic Hazard Abatement (GHAD)
    • Founding Member and Secretary
  • League of California Cities
    • Member
  • American Planning Association
    • Member
  • John Muir Health
    • Board Member

Close Speaking & Teaching

  • "CEQA Application of Knowledge," League of California Cities, Planning Commissioners Academy (February 27, 2013)
  • "Policy Role in Land Use Planning," New Mayors and Council Members, League of California Cities (January 16, 2013)
  • "Climate Change and Land Use Law in California," USF Law School (July 2012)
  • “Simple Approach to CEQA – is that Possible?” Planners Institute & Mini Expo 2012, League of California Cities (March 20, 2012)
  • “Policy Role in Land Use Planning,” New Mayors and Council Members, League of California Cities (January 18, 2012)
  • “Overview of Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts,” (June 2011)
  • “Frequently asked Questions on Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts,” (June 2011)
  • “Fundamentals of Local Land Use Planning, Leadership,” San Ramon, CA (April 14, 2011)
  • “California Environmental Quality Act Overview and Update,” City of Hercules (October 6, 2010)
  • “How to Run a Planning Commission Meeting,” League of California Cities, Planners Institute (March 24, 2010)
  • “BAAQMD Proposed CEQA Guidelines” (February 2010)
  • “Subdivision Map Act,” Tri-Valley Planners(November 4, 2009)
  • “Preparation of Findings,” Tri-Valley Attorneys and Planners (January 21, 2009)
  • “California Climate Change Regulatory Update,” Contra Costa County Bar Association – Real Estate Section(October 17, 2008)
  • “Overview of Land Use Regulations,” University of San Francisco Law School (September 30, 2008)
  • “4th Annual Land Use Update,” Contra Costa County Planning Directors (April 11, 2008)
  • “Land Use and Climate Change,” University of San Francisco Law School (October 23, 2007)
  • “Land Use Law and California Environmental Quality Act,” City of San Ramon (May 23, 2007)
  • “3rd Annual Land Use Update,” Contra Costa County Planning Directors (March 9, 2007)
  • “Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Law,” (presented specifically on California Environmental Quality Act, Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts and Update on Land Use Law), Lorman Education Service (November 3, 2006)
  • “Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Law in California,” (specifically presented on Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts, Overview of Land Use Regulation), Lorman Education Service (September 21, 2006)
  • “Zoning, Subdivision and Development Requirements, Including Ethical Concerns in California,” Lorman Education Service (December 17, 2004)
  • “Alternative Dispute Resolution,” American Bar Association Annual Conference (April 2, 1997)
  • “Legal and Ethical Obligations in Land Use Planning,” University of California, Davis – Extension (July 22, 1996)
  • “Legal Strategies for Dealing with Local Governments,” University of California, Davis – Extension (January 13, 1995)
  • “Protocol for Land Use Attorneys,” University of California, Davis – Extension (March 18, 1994)
  • “How to Reform California Environmental Quality Act,” Contra Costa County (February 24, 1993)

Close Awards & Recognition

  • Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Land Use & Zoning Law, 2013
  • Daily Journal Top 25 California Land Use Lawyers, 2011
  • Selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers magazine, 2005 - 2012
  • Selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers magazine list of Top Women Attorneys in Northern California, 2012
  • Selected for inclusion in California Real Estate Journal's Top Women in Real Estate, 2009