Essential tool to getting your land use projects approved.

One of the most valuable tools available during the permitting and entitlement process is identifying similar projects that have already been approved by a jurisdiction.

When focused on getting a project through the gauntlet of planning, environmental review, public works, fire, and building requirements, it is easy to become consumed by what the code says. While understanding the code is essential, it is equally important to understand how that code has been applied in practice.

Recently, I have been working on a complex land use project involving multiple parcels and several potential development pathways. One of the first steps was researching comparable projects that had already been approved under similar circumstances.

Previously approved projects can help:

• Identify viable paths forward
• Clarify how regulations have been interpreted
• Support project findings and decision-making
• Anticipate agency concerns before they arise
• Reduce uncertainty during project planning

Every project is different, and past approvals do not guarantee future approvals. However, understanding what has successfully moved through a jurisdiction can provide valuable insight when evaluating options and developing a strategy.

Before concluding that a project is impossible, it is often worth looking at what has already been accomplished.

If you have a project that could benefit from zoning research, permit coordination, or entitlement support, I would be happy to discuss it.

Petra Buchanan
Buchanan Land Use Consulting