Legal Alerts Aug 20, 2019
California Supreme Court Clarifies CEQA’s Most Fundamental Question: What is a “Project?”
Union of Medical Marijuana Patients, Inc. v. City of San Diego
Land Use, Planning & Zoning
Land development is subject to a complex array of federal, state and local regulatory requirements and intense government scrutiny. Understanding the interplay of the various development, planning and zoning laws — and assuring compliance with all applicable rules — requires deep regulatory knowledge, legal skill and experience.
Comprised of attorneys from all relevant practice areas, including our Environmental Law and Natural Resources Litigation, Municipal Law, Public Finance, and Telecommunications practices, among others, Best Best & Krieger LLP’s multi-disciplinary Land Use, Planning & Zoning team provides comprehensive, cost-efficient guidance. We advise on issues including public-private partnerships; commercial, industrial and residential, in-fill and mixed-use developments; infrastructure/project finance; open-space acquisitions; habitat preservation and conservation easements; and compliance with CEQA, NEPA and other regulatory requirements.
Representing cities, public agencies, private developers and landowners, we establish, oversee and serve as project management leaders for large projects, assuring that the many, varied and complicated issues are addressed by the most qualified, highly experienced lawyers. In that capacity, we advise clients regarding the practical consequences of their decisions and assist them in arriving at the best solutions to meet their goals.
Comprehensive Service
BB&K Land Use, Planning & Zoning attorneys advise on land acquisition, development, regulation and implementation of general and specific plans and plan amendments, zone changes, subdivisions, conditional use permits, variances and other planning entitlements. We also regularly review zoning ordinances, specific plan documents and CEQA documents for our city clients and their boards and commissions, as well as assist clients with legal review of other specialized land use and entitlement matters, including:
- California Mitigation Fee Act (AB 1600) compliance, including rules regarding impact fees, dedications, conditions and exactions
- Development agreements
- Subdivision Map Act compliance
- Permit Streamlining Act requirements
- California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act) compliance
- Sign regulations and billboard agreements
- Growth control
- Adult use regulations
- Historic preservation, design review and architectural regulation
- Vested rights
- Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000
- Surface Mining & Reclamation Act compliance
Additionally, we represent clients in land use, permitting, zoning and environmental litigation, as well as assert and defend our clients’ interests before regulatory bodies.
Press Releases Aug 15, 2019
The Best Lawyers Recognizes 31 BB&K Attorneys on 2020 List
Including Seven Named as “Lawyer of the Year”
Press Releases Jul 02, 2019
BB&K on 2019 Nor. Cal. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Annual List Acknowledges Attorneys for Professional Achievements
Press Releases Jun 11, 2019
Two BB&K Partners Named Coachella Valley Top Lawyers
Henry Welles and Robert Hargreaves Selected by Palm Springs Life Magazine
Press Releases Jun 06, 2019
Two BB&K Municipal Law Attorneys on So Cal Super Lawyers Rising Stars List
Partner Megan Garibaldi and Associate Ryan Guiboa
BB&K In the News May 28, 2019
BB&K’s Joe Coomes an Urban Land Institute Sacramento Legacy Series Guest
Sacramento Business Journal Promotes Program
BB&K In the News May 02, 2019
FCC Actions Impacting the Public Right of Way
Listen to Partner Gail Karish’s National Planning Conference Presentation in a GovLove Podcast
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 30, 2019
"California Water," Third Edition
Eric Garner’s Updates to Text on Historical, Legal and Policy Issues Affecting California Water Use
Press Releases Apr 24, 2019
BB&K’s Christi Hogin and Andre Monette Honored for Amicus Work by IMLA
The Attorneys Argued About Short-Term Rentals and the Clean Water Act in the Ninth Circuit
Press Releases Apr 02, 2019
BB&K a Top Litigation Firm in Sacramento
Sacramento Business Journal Also Gives High Rank for Women Attorney Numbers
Event Mar 25, 2019
2019 AEP California State Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
Event Mar 18, 2019
California Land Use Law & Policy Conference 2019
Argent Communications Group
BB&K In the News Mar 13, 2019
Ban on Commercial Cannabis Licenses Lifted
San Bernardino Sun Reports on BB&K’s Successful Defense of City
BB&K In the News Mar 11, 2019
Construction Traffic Plan MOU
BB&K Attorneys Acknowledged for Contribution in the Hermosa Beach Patch
![[WEBINAR] Planning in the Coastal Zone](/BBK/media/Library/stock-photos/Planning-in-the-Coastal-Zone-Malibu-Coast_t.png?ext=.png)
Feb 21, 2019
[WEBINAR] Planning in the Coastal Zone
BB&K Webinar
BB&K Webinar Feb 21, 2019
Planning in the Coastal Zone
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Feb 20, 2019
Drones: A Legal and Regulatory Update
Operations Over People and at Night Among Issues Addressed in Latest FAA Proposed Rules
Event Jan 18, 2019
33rd Annual Land Use Law and Planning Conference
UCLA Extension Public Policy Program
Legal Alerts Jan 15, 2019
Comprehensive Update to the State CEQA Guidelines
Approved by California Natural Resources Agency
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Legal Alerts Jan 10, 2019
New Year, New Laws Impacting Public Agencies in California – Part II
Housing and Land Use and Environmental Laws Saw Changes in 2019
Press Releases Nov 02, 2018
BB&K Proud to be Among the Best
U.S. News-Best Lawyers 2019 Rankings Released
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 16, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court Declines Review of Inclusionary Zoning Case
Partner Gregg Kettles Discusses West Hollywood’s Ordinance in the California Lawyers Association’s Real Property Journal
Press Releases Oct 04, 2018
BB&K Partner Seth Merewitz Named a Top 100 Attorney
Daily Journal Recognizes California’s Best
Press Releases Sep 26, 2018
Attorney Albert Maldonado Elected to Two Boards
Municipal Law Attorney to Serve Educational Organizations
Legal Alerts Sep 19, 2018
Statutory Development Agreements Cannot be Passed by Initiative
California Appellate Court Gives Cities Less Flexibility
Event Sep 12, 2018
LCC 2018 Annual Conference
League of California Cities
Legal Alerts Aug 27, 2018
Court Upholds Approval of Superstore Zoning Ordinance
California Appellate Court Supports the Broad Use of CEQA Addenda
Videos Aug 21, 2018
John C. Cotti Video Bio
Partner
Press Releases Aug 21, 2018
Best Lawyers in America Lists 27 BB&K Attorneys for 2019
Representing a Variety of Practice Areas
Videos Aug 14, 2018
Christi Hogin Video Bio
Of Counsel
Legal Alerts Aug 14, 2018
Coming to Your Town Soon: Cannabis (Maybe)
State’s Proposed Permanent Marijuana Regulations Limit Local Authority
Videos Aug 14, 2018
Lauren Langer Video Bio
Partner
Videos Aug 14, 2018
Michael Jenkins Video Bio
Of Counsel
Videos Aug 10, 2018
Gregg Kettles Video Bio
Partner
Press Releases Aug 01, 2018
Sacramento-Area BB&K Attorneys Named to Top Lawyers List
Sacramento Magazine Recognizes Eight Attorneys Selected by Peers
Legal Alerts Jul 26, 2018
Federal Draft Infrastructure Bill Released
Aims to Provide Revenue to Repair Failing Infrastructure
![[WEBINAR] Creating an Accessible City](/BBK/media/Library/stock-photos/ADA-cropped.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Jul 24, 2018
[WEBINAR] Creating an Accessible City
BB&K Webinar
BB&K Webinar Jul 24, 2018
Creating an Accessible City
Free BB&K Webinar
BB&K In the News Jul 24, 2018
Short-Term Rentals and Regulations
Christi Hogin Discusses Cities’ Options with the San Diego Union-Tribune
Press Releases Jul 16, 2018
10 BB&K Attorneys Honored on 2018 Northern California Super Lawyers List
One Recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer Rising Star
Event Jun 20, 2018
Short-Term Rental Task Force Meeting
South Bay Cities Council of Governments
Press Releases Jun 07, 2018
Isabel Safie and Jill Tremblay Return to 2018 So. Cal. Super Lawyers Rising Stars List
The BB&K Attorneys Acknowledged Again for Practice Achievements
BB&K In the News May 16, 2018
Profile: BB&K CEQA Attorney Amanda Daams
Riverside Lawyer Magazine Features the RCBA Barristers' Past President
![[WEBINAR] Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure](/BBK/media/Library/stock-photos/Car-Sharing-Concept-3D-Image_thumb.jpg?ext=.jpg)
May 15, 2018
[WEBINAR] Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure
BB&K Webinar
BB&K Webinar May 15, 2018
Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure
BB&K Free Webinar
Client Successes May 02, 2018
Appellate Court Rejects Challenges to Residential Development in Montebello
BB&K Defends City from CEQA, Brown Act and Planning and Zoning Law Claims
Videos Apr 24, 2018
Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment – The Complex Puzzle of Funding Our Future
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
Videos Apr 24, 2018
Is the Road Forward Even a Road? Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
Videos Apr 24, 2018
The Price of an Aging Infrastructure on the Environment
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
BB&K Event Apr 24, 2018
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
A BB&K Premier Event
Event Apr 22, 2018
Disaster Resilience: Housing and Economic Development
American Planning Association
Event Apr 06, 2018
City of Dysfunction Junction: How to Conduct an Effective and Respectful Planning Commission Meeting
LCC Planning Commisioners Academy
Legal Alerts Apr 05, 2018
Parking Impacts Warrant Only Limited Consideration under CEQA for Infill Projects in Transit Priority Areas
Court Upholds City of Covina Infill Project
Press Releases Apr 02, 2018
Jenkins & Hogin Joins Forces with Best Best & Krieger
Combination Creates Municipal Law Powerhouse Committed to Public Service
Event Mar 25, 2018
2018 AEP State Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 16, 2018
Roads of the Future Today
BB&K Attorney Gregory Rodriguez Writes on the Latest Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Autonomous Vehicles in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Mar 15, 2018
Defining “Existing” Structures in Sea Rise Shoreline Protection
California Coastal Commission and City of San Clemente Reach LUP Agreement
Event Mar 05, 2018
Making Sense of a New Landscape in California Land Use Law and Policy
Argent's 2018 California Land Use Law & Policy MCLE Conference
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 22, 2018
Dockless Disruption: Maximizing Opportunities Through Smart Regulations
BB&K's Gregory Rodriguez and Steven DeBaun Discuss Bikeshare Issues in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Feb 12, 2018
Federal Infrastructure Outline Released
Details Local Agencies Need are Included
Legal Alerts Jan 31, 2018
A Peek Inside the Trump Infrastructure Plan: What Local Government Agencies Should Know
The State of the Union Address and a Leaked Memo Give the Insight We’ve Been Waiting For
BB&K In the News Jan 27, 2018
Associate Jennifer Lynch Profiled in Riverside Lawyer Magazine
Environmental Law Attorney Began Career as Land Use Planner
Press Releases Jan 25, 2018
Partner Nancy Park Installed as Lambda Alpha International Sacramento Chapter President
Land Use Professionals Organization
Event Jan 19, 2018
Planning, Zoning, and Development Law – A Heapin’ Helping of Housing, and So Much More
Land Use Law and Planning Conference 2018 Program
Legal Alerts Jan 10, 2018
2018 California Public Agency Laws – Part II
Housing and Land Use, Environment, Public Property/Public Works and Economic Development
Legal Alerts Dec 21, 2017
New California Coastal Laws for 2018
Development, Accommodations, Sea Rise and Public Access
Client Successes Nov 10, 2017
City Prevails in Home Design Dispute
City of Lafayette Represented by Partners Scott Ditfurth and Mala Subramanian
Press Releases Nov 01, 2017
Local and National Best Law Firm Recognitions from U.S. News-Best Lawyers in America
BB&K Ranked for a Variety of Areas and Practices on 2018 List
Event Oct 27, 2017
C02: When the Acres Have Been Saved
RALLY 2017 • National Land Conservation Conference
Legal Alerts Oct 16, 2017
The Governor’s Housing Package
Affordable Housing Production in California Gets a Boost from Sacramento
Event Oct 14, 2017
IMLA's 82nd Annual Conference
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 28, 2017
Town vs. Gown
How Land Use and Environmental Laws Mediate Disputes Between Universities, Colleges and Communities
Event Sep 23, 2017
Capitalizing on our Diversity
APA California Chapter Conference
Press Releases Aug 31, 2017
Eight BB&K Attorneys Recognized by Sacramento Magazine’s 2017 Top Lawyers List
Selected by Their Peers
Authored Articles & Publications Aug 30, 2017
California Supreme Court Strengthens Development Permit Protections
By Jeffrey S. Ballinger
Press Releases Aug 15, 2017
22 BB&K Attorneys Earn Spot on Best Lawyers in America 2018 List
Two Recognized as Lawyers of the Year
BB&K In the News Jul 24, 2017
Why Some California Counties Are Saying No to Commercial Cannabis
Cities Have Options Under the Law, Partner Jeffrey Dunn Told The Recorder
Press Releases Jul 07, 2017
Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2017
Congratulations to the Nine BB&K Attorneys on this Year’s Lists
Authored Articles & Publications May 31, 2017
What Tools Do Cities Need to Regulate Short-term Rentals?
By Joshua Nelson and Todd Leishman
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 28, 2017
Solving the Problem of the Unchecked Rise of Short-Term Rentals
By Mark A. Easter, Joshua Nelson and Todd R. Leishman
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 10, 2016
Innovative Public-Private Partnership for the New Long Beach Civic Center
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 04, 2015
Major P3 DBFOM Procurement Planned for LAX Modernization
By Seth Merewitz
Authored Articles & Publications Aug 21, 2015
Despite Delays, California Cities Moving Forward on Selling Redevelopment Properties
By Seth Merewitz
Authored Articles & Publications Aug 17, 2015
New Law Promotes Social Infrastructure P3 in a California City
By Seth Merewitz
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 02, 2015
Development Trend to Circumvent CEQA Through Ballot Initiative Emphasizes Need for Reform
By Lindsay D. Puckett
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 28, 2014
Court Applies Limitations on Unusual Circumstances Exception to CEQA Categorical Exemptions
By Lindsay D. Puckett
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 29, 2013
[PRESENTATION] Municipal Broadband and Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships
By Gail A. Karish
Key Contacts
Connected Industries
Related Practices
- Air Quality
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Comprehensive Code Enforcement
- Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing
- Eminent Domain
- Endangered Species
- Energy
- Environmental Litigation
- Hazardous Waste
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Ports
- Public Finance
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate
- Renewable Energy
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Water
- Water Quality
- Water Rights