Experienced Guidance For California Land Use Issues
Law Office of Michael Patrick Durkee was founded in Walnut Creek to help developers and investors in California navigate state and municipal land use laws with confidence. Attorney Mike Durkee applies his extensive experience in real estate development and vast knowledge of state and local laws to provide legal support to those who need an experienced guide for real estate and development projects.
With more than 40 years of experience, Mike has been instrumental in creating, coordinating and implementing the overall entitlement strategies and defense for several of California’s celebrated and controversial development projects. Mike has a clear understanding of land use laws and practically applies those laws to land use issues.
How Can An Experienced Land Use Lawyer Help With Your California Development Project?
Navigating a development project in California involves understanding complex land use regulations. An experienced land use lawyer can offer valuable insights into zoning laws to help you determine what can be built on a particular piece of land. They also assist with obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring your project complies with local, state and federal regulations.
Additionally, a land use lawyer can represent you in hearings or negotiations with government agencies, advocating for your interests. They help identify potential legal issues early, saving you time and resources. An experienced land use lawyer with an in-depth knowledge of California’s unique land use landscape makes them an essential partner in your development project.
Comprehensive Legal Guidance, Serving A Broad Clientele
Mike offers a broad base of services and resources for a broad range of clients, in both administrative and judicial proceedings. His clients include:
- Developers
- Builders
- Property owners
- Businesses
- Cities
- Counties
- Special districts
- Interest groups
Mike provides legal support for all types of development, including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and recreational projects. Above all, Mike understands that time is money. He is adept at perceiving and anticipating where there will be issues in a project. He spends focused time and attention to resolve those issues in a cost-effective manner.
Legal Support Through Environmental Issues
Mike has transactional and litigation experience in the laws and processes regarding:
- The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- The Subdivision Map Act
- The Williamson Act
Whether your land use issue involves local governance, general or specific plans, planning and zoning, vested rights, exactions, or even local elections, Mike has been involved in several law-changing litigation and legislative matters. He also publishes articles and teaches in various forums on a variety of land use and environmental topics.
From the Bay Area to Wine Country, from the Central Coast, to the Central Valley and Southern California – if environmental concerns are threatening a development project or a development project is overstepping into environmental concerns, Mike can provide strategic and coordinated legal support. He can counsel developers, public agencies or individual property owners and provide creative solutions and innovative strategies to resolve environmental challenges.
What Are Some Common Land Use Disputes In California?
In California, land use disputes often arise from zoning conflicts, environmental regulations and property boundaries. Zoning disputes occur when there is disagreement over how a particular area of land can be used, such as residential versus commercial purposes.
Environmental regulations can also lead to disputes, especially when development projects may impact protected ecosystems or require specific permits. Property boundary disagreements between neighbors can escalate into legal challenges if not resolved amicably.
Additionally, disputes can arise over access rights, such as easements that allow one property owner to use another’s land for a specific purpose. Having an experienced land use litigator can help manage these complex issues and facilitate a resolution to these challenges, sometimes through negotiation and mediation.
Consult An Experienced California Land Use Lawyer
California’s land use and environmental issues can be complex and projects can easily stall without proper legal guidance. Attorney Mike Durkee offers clients an initial consultation for free, and he is available for consultations by appointment. To schedule your free appointment, call 510-906-4990. You can also provide him with a brief summary of your land use issue by sending him a confidential message through his website form.