Manning Kass

Land Use

Buying land for development can be tricky. If the land is being considered for a specific development project, the client would be well-advised to perform a comprehensive due diligence investigation to analyze all relevant environmental, wildlife, water, zoning, soils, local interest group, and political issues and to build adequate protections in the purchase and sale agreement. The Land Use team at Manning Kass is well-versed in these issues, having spent many years advising buyers of real estate targeted for future development.

Developing residential and commercial projects can be an arduous and lengthy process, which is why it is important to have experienced Land Use attorneys as part of your development team early in the process. Missteps along the way can be difficult and expensive to correct. A lack of coordination among land planners, engineers, environmental consultants, and other experts can slow down the application process. The more efficient the development team, the sooner the client will be able to begin construction and bring its product to market.

Our Land Use team is continuously evaluating and using the most effective methods possible. The practice encompasses every step in the land development process, including: 

  • Land Acquisition

  • Coordinating Land Planners and Civil Engineers

  • Mapping

  • Zoning

  • Development Entitlements

  • Regulatory Compliance

  • Pre-application Scoping

  • Lead Agency Review

  • Crafting Conditions of Approval

  • Public Hearings

  • Resolving Disputes Involving Government Agencies and/or Property Owners

  • Preparing Entitlement Documents

  • Negotiating and Drafting Development Agreements

Besides major land development projects, the Land Use Team also advises clients on:

  • Encroachments

  • Title Disputes

  • Easements

  • Lot Line Adjustments

  • Purchase and Sale Agreements

  • Zoning Infractions; and 

  • Other similar issues that property owners may face 

Additionally, we are adept in local, state, and federal regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, CERCLA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Native American consultations.

The Land Use practice is led by Orange County Partner Steven W. DeLateur. Mr. DeLateur has over 35 years of experience in Land Use, including land development and permitting, US and international business contracts, export and import transactions, and business investor visas.