Question 1

What is land use and entitlement advisory?

Accepted Answer

Land use and entitlement advisory involves guiding property owners, investors, and developers through the regulatory process of securing development approvals. This includes zoning analysis, density optimization, environmental review coordination, and political stakeholder engagement to maximize a property's development potential and value.

Question 2

How long does the entitlement process take in Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction and project complexity. A straightforward by-right project in the City of Los Angeles may take 6 to 12 months, while discretionary approvals involving environmental review can extend to 18 to 24 months or longer. Ventura and Santa Barbara counties often have additional layers of review that can extend timelines further.

Question 3

When should I engage a land use advisor?

Accepted Answer

The most effective time to engage is before capital is deployed — ideally during the acquisition underwriting phase or before design work begins. Early engagement allows you to identify entitlement risks, optimize the development program, and avoid costly missteps that arise from pursuing a plan that the regulatory environment won't support.