Our Services

Land Use Consulting

Effective land development starts with a comprehensive consultation.

From environmental considerations and community demands to legal obligations, there are many factors at play impacting land development projects. To ensure your project goes off without a hitch, you need to work with an experienced land use consultant familiar with your local regulations and community. 

At Pattern, we offer specialized land use consultation services for clients in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.

What is Land Use Consulting?

Land use consulting provides strategic guidance related to the development and utilization of land.

The consulting process encompasses a wide range of activities, including zoning analysis, site selection, environmental impact assessments, permitting, and compliance with relevant regulations. Consultants work with developers, property owners, architects, and government agencies to ensure that projects align with urban planning principles and community goals.

A land use consultant plays an essential role in navigating land development regulations, which can vary regionally and locally. Land use consultants help clients understand and adhere to zoning laws, land use policies, and environmental requirements. Additionally, these consultants facilitate the approval process for new developments or redevelopment projects. 

Leveraging a consultant’s expertise when addressing specific land development challenges, such as housing shortages or sustainable development, ensures you make informed development choices that benefit both you and your community. 

What Services Do Land Use Consultants Provide?

At Pattern we offer specialized services to clients, including expert advice on zoning laws, land use policies, and relevant regulations. Basic services offered by most land use consultants include:

  • Permits: Permitting processes include preparing and submitting applications, conducting environmental impact assessments, and coordinating with architects, engineers, and planners to ensure all aspects of the project meet regulatory standards.
  • Site Analysis & Strategic Planning: Consultants assess the suitability of a location for specific developments, considering factors like zoning restrictions, environmental impact, and community needs. Additionally, land use consultants help clients develop comprehensive plans that balance economic goals with ecological sustainability and social equity. 
  • Community Engagement: For development projects involving public or communal land, consultants can organize public hearings and outreach efforts to inform and gather feedback from local residents and stakeholders. Community engagement services enable you to address any community concerns regarding your development projects directly. 

When choosing a land use consultant for your development project, make sure to select one with a comprehensive approach that enhances your project’s feasibility and final result. 

Key Benefits of Hiring a Land Use Planning Consultant

Land use consulting is often a key piece of the puzzle when planning and executing development projects. Working with a land use consultant ensures you have the expert support necessary to navigate different laws, regulatory standards, and environmental best practices. 

Along with conducting thorough site analyses, land use consultants also provide essential support for all stages of your project. From obtaining the right permits to addressing the concerns of your community, land use consultants ensure all of your legal and local obligations are covered.

Hiring a land use consultant offers numerous benefits that streamline the development process and ensure compliance with regulations, including:

  • Expert Navigation of Regulations: Land use consultants possess in-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations, allowing them to guide clients through complex zoning laws, permitting requirements, and environmental regulations. With the help of a land use consultant, you can ensure your projects meet all legal standards.
  • Strategic Site Selection: Consultants help clients identify the most suitable locations for their projects thorough site analyses, placing special consideration on factors like zoning restrictions, environmental impact, and community needs. Working with a land use consultant allows you to select sites that maximize project potential and feasibility.
  • Efficient Permitting Process: A consultant’s expertise in managing the permitting process also increases project efficiency. Consultants can help you streamline permit approvals, reducing delays and associated costs. Land use consultants often manage the entire permitting process, from preparing and submitting applications to coordinating with various government agencies. 
  • Effective Community Engagement: Effective public outreach and stakeholder engagement are critical for a successful project, but can be difficult to achieve without the right degree of experience. Consultants can organize community feedback sessions that directly address community concerns and give you clear guidance on how to engage with community members.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Land use consultants conduct thorough environmental assessments to identify potential impacts and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring your development projects are sustainable and comply with environmental regulations. If you have specific sustainability goals in mind, a land use consultant can also help you develop the ideal strategy for achieving those goals. 
  • Increased Cost Savings: By ensuring compliance and avoiding legal issues, land use consultants save clients from potential fines and costly project delays. Creating a strategic land development plan with the assistance of a land use consultant optimizes resource allocation, reducing the overall cost of a project. 
  • Customized Solutions: Every development project is unique, and consultants provide tailored solutions that address specific challenges and goals. Their expertise enables them to offer innovative approaches that balance economic, environmental, and social considerations.

The Risks of Not Hiring a Land Use Consultant

Unless you have experience as a consultant, not hiring a land use consultant can pose significant risks to your development projects. Relying on land use consultants can ensure your project aligns with legal standards and community expectations, while choosing not to hire a land use consultant can result in a disorganized and non-compliant development scenario. 

Without the help of a land use consultant, you face major risks like:

  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Navigating complex zoning laws, environmental regulations, and permitting processes without expert guidance can lead to non-compliance, which can then result in substantial fines or costly legal disputes.
  • Project Delays: Without a consultant, the approval process can become cumbersome and time-consuming. Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to repeated submissions and prolonged review times, causing significant delays.
  • Increased Costs: Mistakes in site selection, regulatory compliance, and permitting can lead to unexpected expenses. Legal fees, fines, and additional construction costs from required modifications can inflate the project budget.
  • Community Opposition: Lack of effective community engagement can result in strong local opposition. Without proper outreach and stakeholder management, projects can face resistance, leading to public hearings, protests, or even project shutdowns.
  • Environmental Issues: Failure to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments can result in significant environmental harm and legal repercussions. This oversight can lead to costly mitigation measures and damage to the project’s reputation.
  • Missed Opportunities: Without the strategic insights of a land use consultant, developers may miss opportunities for optimizing site use, securing incentives, or leveraging innovative planning solutions that enhance project viability and sustainability.

Obtaining Coastal Development Permits

Why Pattern

We offer clients in-depth industry knowledge and a customized strategic approach. With years of experience dealing with land use and development regulations, we can provide you with the tailored and efficient services you need for your next land use project. 

Tailored Service

We understand that each project is unique. That's why we offer customized solutions designed to meet your specific needs.​

Strong Relationships

We've built strong relationships with local officials and agencies, which can be invaluable in expediting the permit process.

Efficient Process

Our systematic approach ensures a smooth, efficient process, reducing delays and keeping your project on schedule.

Experienced Team

Our team of seasoned professionals has the knowledge and experience to navigate the complex regulatory environment.

Past & Current Projects

We service all of Malibu, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Los Angeles and the surrounding area

Our projects include single-family and multi-family development, retail/restaurants, warehouses, and subdivisions.