Land Use

Wendel Rosen has a sophisticated land use practice that includes representation of public and private sector clients in transactional and litigation matters. Working closely with the firm's real estate, public agency and environmental groups, the land use attorneys are experienced in helping public and private land owners to pursue the best possible use of their property through the public development and permitting process.

Having worked on projects in most jurisdictions in the San Francisco Bay Area, and many jurisdictions beyond, the group is very familiar with the regulatory agencies, planning commissions and regional governments that provide approvals and permits for development projects in the region. In addition, the group frequently handles California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, zoning and permitting matters, subdivision processing and approvals, variances, entitlements, reuse and eminent domain matters on behalf of clients.

The group is experienced in matters ranging from simple individual remodeling projects to major residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use projects (including master-planned golf course communities). Our work with public agencies helps minimize roadblocks and find solutions to problems that often arise in the development process. Several of the group's attorneys are current or former board and commission members in Bay Area jurisdictions. This experience provides additional perspective in assisting clients in the land use process.

Land Use Litigation

There are times when a jurisdiction simply gets it "wrong." Occasionally, it is necessary to consider litigation or other remedies when a city or agency improperly denies a project or attempts to impose unauthorized or unwarranted fees or dedications on a project. In other situations, public agencies consider approving projects that might have serious adverse consequences on our client's property or interests without performing the necessary environmental or other development review. In these instances, as well as in eminent domain cases, the firm provides litigation assistance. We have successfully represented clients in matters throughout the state involving CEQA, the Subdivision Map Act, exaction and development fees, building moratoria and similar issues.

From project inception to public approval, Wendel Rosen is equipped to provide timely, resolution-oriented, and experienced legal counsel to clients in the land use arena.