LAND: ACQUISITION, SALE, USE, AND DEVELOPMENT
Acquisition/Sale/Leasing:
LFAP attorneys excel in facilitating real estate transactions by skillfully negotiating terms that satisfy both sellers’ desires for quick transactions and buyers’ needs for flexibility, ensuring a successful close for various projects. They possess extensive experience representing both buyers and sellers, navigating the development process, and crafting practical agreements to achieve favorable outcomes.
Title Review:
Before, during, or after a transaction, LFAP attorneys meticulously examine title documents and collaborate closely with title and escrow companies to address ownership issues and ensure clear title. They are adept at researching, reviewing, and resolving title exceptions, as well as obtaining and preparing necessary easements and rights-of-way, enhancing the integrity of property transactions.
CEQA/Environmental Compliance:
With a keen understanding of the intricate CEQA review process, LFAP attorneys leverage their experience representing private developers and public agencies to navigate local regulations and procedures effectively. They adeptly reconcile various stakeholder interests and expert opinions to expedite the entitlement process while ensuring thorough environmental compliance, vital for project success amidst potential opposition.
Project Entitlement:
LFAP attorneys stay abreast of evolving state and local regulations, particularly California’s affordable housing laws, to assist projects in maximizing benefits such as density bonuses and concessions. They possess a nuanced understanding of General Plan and zoning requirements, crucial for ensuring project compliance and approval, while also mitigating potential delays and expenses associated with development agreements.
Project Governance:
Working closely with developers, LFAP attorneys assist in drafting governing documents such as bylaws and CC&Rs for major communities and retail centers. They provide valuable support in interpreting and enforcing existing governing documents, ensuring effective property management and adherence to established regulations.
Property Dispute Resolution:
LFAP attorneys offer strategic guidance in resolving property disputes promptly and cost-effectively, leveraging their expertise to navigate complex issues related to property rights, easements, and boundary disputes. By collaborating closely with clients and stakeholders, they strive to achieve efficient resolutions, allowing clients to focus on their property and business objectives.
Unlawful Detainer:
In matters of lease enforcement and unlawful detainer actions, LFAP attorneys provide comprehensive legal support to property owners and managers, guiding them through procedural requirements and litigation processes. Their expertise ensures swift resolution of disputes, maintaining the integrity of governing documents and landlord-tenant relationships.
Subject Matter Experts
KENNETH H. LOUNSBERY
Practice Areas:
Land Use Acquisition, Land Development, Municipal Law, Eminent Domain, Private Election Remedies
DAVID W. FERGUSON
Practice Areas:
Land Acquisition, Use and Development; CEQA and Environmental Compliance
ERICK R. ALTONA
Practice Areas:
Business, Real Property
HELEN HOLMES PEAK
Practice Areas: Municipal Law; Eminent Domain; Land Acquisition, Use and Development; CEQA/Environmental Compliance and Defense
CATHERINE FERGUSON
Practice Areas: municipal law, land sales and acquisition, land use and development, business formations and transactions, and employment litigation