Permit Expeditor’s Perspective: The Balancing Act of Land Use and Entitlements

Although Permit Advisors Inc is primarily a permit expeditor, we often provide assistance in the land use and entitlement processes. In this article, I will dive into the key differences between land use planning and entitlements, then explain the delicate balancing act of both. As part of a holistic government relations strategy entitlements directly influence permits of every project:

• -Retail permits
• -Restaurant permits
• -Mixed-Use permits
• -Hotel permits
• -Shopping mall permits
• -Grocery store permits
• -Gym and Health Club permits

The list goes on and on.

Land use, in my definition, is the approach towards development that emphasizes the ethical and efficient development of any piece of land. This philosophy feeds into conservation of land and energy, as well as, looking at minority groups. In other words, they regulate the use and size of all developments within a space. In densely populated metropolitan areas it is common for land use to seem like a hurdle to retailers and developers. Often there are council meetings, commission meetings, public forums, and rigorous checklists that feed into decisions made by a centralized land use or planning department.

Entitlements are permissions to use land in a way that differs significantly from the traditional use. They are the mechanism, by which, you can get permits for a space or patch of land. Entitlements are approved after the planning department decides your use is granted. Entitlements, like most legal matters, are usually based on precedence. This means that if entitlements for a piece of land were approved previously, then your chances of getting them for that same piece of land are a little higher. This does depend, however, on what your project is.

Now, let me be clear here: entitlements are not easy to obtain. Anyone telling you differently is selling you a line. Land use and entitlements, if corners are cut, or generously donated to, are the areas where professionals and politicians get themselves into trouble. Don’t believe me? Look into the land use and entitlement history of Porter Ranch, California.

How do you balance land use and needing entitlements? It’d be easy to make the claim that land use planning lays at one end of a spectrum and entitlements is at the other end; thus, placing the two at odds. But, it doesn’t need to be that way. If you can understand the literal planning landscape of an area by keeping the integrity of space you’ll find yourself closer to entitlements. What I’m saying is: by embracing land use planning you’ll find yourself gaining your entitlements. I bet you’ve never thought of it that way, have you?

In closing, I want to say that while getting into land use and entitlements are time-consuming and costly you’ll find it rewarding. Creating consumer-friendly spaces that generate jobs and revenue worth it.

Call me and my team today for a consultation and we will get you squared away! Our number is (310) 275-7774!

About Permit Advisors: Permit Advisors Inc. is a complete permit, entitlement consulting, and expediting firm based out of Beverly Hills, Ca. We go beyond just submitting plans, as you may have experienced with previous expediters. We have established strong relationships with officials of many municipalities and have numerous time and cost-saving strategies that we implement to efficiently complete projects. We aim to secure all permits as quickly as possible! We keep track of all the different aspects of the permitting process and make sure that the project is being given full attention by everyone on the team. We responsibly update clients and ensure that lines of communication are open between the Jurisdiction, the consultants and the client at all times. Contact us today for a consultation!