About Buchanan Land Use Consulting

Buchanan Land Use Consulting was founded in 2016 after I successfully navigated the permitting of a 20-acre coastal property in Mendocino County. That project included securing approvals for septic, electric service, a well, and multiple residential and commercial structures — a process that required extensive coordination with county, state, and environmental agencies.

Following that work, Mendocino County Planning and Building staff encouraged me to begin offering my services to others struggling to move projects through complex local and state regulations. What began as direct community support quickly evolved into a professional land use consulting practice focused on helping property owners cut through red tape and bring viable projects to completion.

Over the years, Buchanan Land Use Consulting has processed more hoop house and greenhouse permits than nearly any other land use consultant in Mendocino County. My experience includes — but is not limited to — wells, ponds, grading projects, commercial buildings, ADUs, garage and agricultural building conversions to residential dwellings, Class K residences, and extensive work with Code Enforcement to resolve violations and bring properties back into compliance.

A significant portion of my early work involved cannabis-related permitting. That experience required deep familiarity with environmental regulation, inter-agency coordination, and highly scrutinized land use approvals. Today, I apply that same regulatory expertise to a much broader range of agricultural and residential projects throughout California, including projects impacted by recent state legislation such as SB 9, SB 1123, and SB 684.

What sets Buchanan Land Use Consulting apart is not just technical knowledge, but advocacy. Each project is approached with a clear understanding of agency processes, practical constraints, and client goals. I work with a trusted network of engineers, biologists, and land use professionals to guide projects from initial concept through permitting and approval.

Fully insured and committed to clarity, efficiency, and realistic outcomes, Buchanan Land Use Consulting helps clients understand what is possible — and how to get there.