Land Entitlement: A Guide to the Entitlement Process for Land Development Projects
What is Land Entitlement?
Land entitlement is the legal process that determines how a piece of land can be used. It involves getting approval from local authorities for specific development plans. Whether you're looking to build, redevelop, or change the use of a property, land entitlements are a crucial first step in how to buy land and develop it effectively.
These approvals dictate what can be built on a property, how it can be used, and even how the land must look. For investors, securing entitlements can significantly increase a property's value by ensuring that it can be developed as planned. Without the proper entitlements, development cannot proceed, which could lead to delays, increased costs, or even project failure.
The Land Entitlement Process
The land entitlement process involves several key steps that ensure your development plans comply with local regulations. Here's a brief overview of each step:
1. Site Plan Approval
This is the initial step where you submit a detailed map showing your proposed development. It includes everything from building locations to utilities and landscaping. Approval of the site plan is crucial before moving forward.
2. Property Rezoning
If your land's current zoning doesn't match your intended use, you'll need to apply for rezoning. This process involves getting approval from local authorities to change the land's designated use, such as from residential to commercial.
3. Zoning Variances
Sometimes, your project might not meet all the zoning requirements. In these cases, you can apply for a variance, which allows exceptions to certain rules, like building height or setback requirements.
4. Conditional Use Permits
If your desired use of the land isn't allowed by right under the current zoning, but could be acceptable under certain conditions, you'll need a conditional use permit. This allows you to use the land for specific purposes, subject to approval.
5. Utility and Road Approvals
For your development to proceed, you'll need to ensure that utilities like water, sewer, and electricity are available. Additionally, if your project requires new roads or changes to existing ones, you'll need approval from the relevant authorities.
6. Landscape Approvals
Municipalities often have specific guidelines for landscaping to maintain a certain aesthetic. Your landscaping plans will need to be reviewed and approved before construction can begin.
Types of Entitlements
Rezoning and Zoning Variances
Rezoning changes the designated use of your land, such as converting it from residential to commercial. If your project doesn't meet certain zoning requirements, like building height or setbacks, a zoning variance allows you to request exceptions to those rules.
Subdivision and Lot Line Adjustments
Subdivision involves splitting a larger parcel of land into smaller lots, often for development or sale. Lot line adjustments are changes to existing property boundaries, which can be useful when you need to reconfigure land for better use.
Conditional Use Permits
These permits allow you to use the land for specific purposes that aren't typically permitted under current zoning. They come with certain conditions to ensure that the land use aligns with community standards.
Utility and Infrastructure Approvals
Before development, you need to ensure access to essential services like water, sewer, electricity, and roads. These approvals confirm that the necessary infrastructure will support your project.
Benefits of Land Entitlement
Value Increase for Entitled Land
Securing entitlements can significantly increase the value of your land. Understanding land values is crucial because once the necessary approvals are in place, the land is often worth more due to its development potential. If you're exploring investment opportunities, entitled land for sale can offer higher returns due to its readiness for development, making it attractive to buyers and investors alike.
Certainty and Vested Rights
Entitlements provide a level of certainty for developers and investors. Once land is entitled, the approved use becomes a vested right, meaning it cannot be easily revoked by the local government. This certainty is crucial for planning and financing your project, as it reduces the risk of unexpected changes that could derail development.
Challenges in the Entitlement Process
Process Challenges
The planning department reviews studies on environmental and population impacts, such as air quality, transportation, and noise. Issues uncovered may jeopardize feasibility or cause delays. For instance, a wind study might reveal hazardous conditions, requiring costly design changes.
The project must also navigate approvals from other agencies, such as utility providers, the fire department, and parks and recreation. Any of these entities could challenge the project or delay it for various reasons. Other process-related risks include code and zoning violations, planning staff capacity and experience, and new legislation that could negatively impact the project.
Importance of a Complete Application
Submitting a complete and accurate application is critical to avoiding delays. Incomplete applications are a common cause of setbacks, as they can lead to additional requests for information or even a pause in processing. Ensuring all required documents and details are included from the start can save time and prevent unnecessary complications.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Several pitfalls can derail the entitlement process. These include underestimating the time required, not engaging with local stakeholders early enough, and failing to adhere to local zoning and planning requirements. Being proactive, thorough, and informed can help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Managing Entitlement Risk
Managing risks in the entitlement process is crucial for ensuring a successful project. These risks can be divided into process challenges and political/community risks, each requiring specific mitigation strategies.
Team Selection
Selecting a qualified, locally experienced team is crucial. Your land-use attorney, consultants, and engineers should understand local regulations and have strong connections with city officials to streamline approvals.
Understanding Local Regulations and Political Climate
Before starting the entitlement process, it's crucial to understand the local regulations and political climate. Each municipality has its own set of rules and a unique political environment that can influence the approval process. Creating a detailed, step-by-step timeline of the entitlement process in your particular municipality is advisable. Consulting with a local land-use attorney to develop or review this timeline can help you identify any unknown factors or procedures that might not be readily apparent.
Mitigation Strategies for Political and Community Risk
Understanding the political and community landscape is crucial. Research local needs, desires, and vision by reviewing general plans, district plans, and development documents. Identify key stakeholders, including politicians and community groups, and engage with them early to build support or address concerns.
For example, present your project to a local community group to gauge public sentiment and refine your approach. Review similar projects in the same municipality to learn from their experiences. Networking with developers who have gone through the process can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the political and community landscape.
Importance of Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
Thorough due diligence and risk assessment are vital. Research the land, understand regulations, and identify potential issues early, including what can be built as-of-right and any exceptions. Missing these could lead to delays and added costs.
Leveraging Expert Consultants and Legal Advisors
Expert consultants and legal advisors can be invaluable in the entitlement process. They bring specialized knowledge and experience, helping you navigate complex regulations and avoid common pitfalls. Engaging these professionals early in the process can increase your chances of success and reduce the overall risk of your project.
What Happens After Entitlement?
The Next Steps in the Development Process
Once land entitlements are secured, the development process can move forward. The next steps typically involve finalizing construction plans, obtaining building permits, and starting site preparation. This phase also includes coordinating with contractors, setting timelines, and ensuring that all aspects of the project align with the approved entitlements.
Potential Financing Options Post-Entitlement
After securing entitlements, financing options may become more accessible. Lenders often view entitled land as a lower-risk investment, making it easier to obtain land loans or attract investors. You can explore construction loans, equity partnerships, or other financing methods to fund the next stages of development. Having entitlements in place can also increase the property's value, which might provide better terms for financing.
Alternative Strategies if Entitlement Fails
What to Do if Your Entitlement Application Is Denied
If your entitlement application is denied, it's important not to panic. First, seek detailed feedback from the local authorities to understand the reasons for the denial. This information can help you determine whether the issues can be resolved or if a different approach is needed. For example, some developers explore acquiring land through public land auctions, where properties may offer different development opportunities that better align with local regulations.
Options for Appealing Decisions or Modifying Your Plans
If you believe the denial was unjust or based on misunderstandings, you have the option to appeal the decision. This process typically involves presenting your case to a higher authority, such as a planning commission or city council. Alternatively, you might consider modifying your plans to better align with local requirements or to avoid the issues that led to the denial. In some cases, working with a legal advisor or consultant can provide new strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving approval.
Common Questions About Land Entitlement
How Long Does the Land Entitlement Process Take?
The land entitlement process includes key steps to ensure your development plans comply with local regulations. Typically, this involves submitting a formal proposal, conceptual design package, and various studies to the local planning department for review against zoning regulations and local laws.
How Much Does Land Entitlement Cost?
The cost of obtaining land entitlements depends on several factors, including the size of the project, the need for rezoning, and the professional services required. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars for smaller projects to tens of thousands for more complex developments. Fees include application costs, consultant fees, and potentially legal expenses.
What Professionals Should I Hire for the Entitlement Process?
A strong team is essential for navigating the entitlement process. Typically, this includes a civil engineer, land use attorney, architect, and possibly specialized consultants like environmental or traffic experts.
Can Land Entitlement Be Revoked or Changed?
Once granted, land entitlements are generally considered vested rights, meaning they cannot be easily revoked. However, changes in local laws or policies could potentially affect your entitlements, especially if development hasn't started. It's important to stay informed about any changes in regulations that could impact your project.
What Happens if I Start Development Without Proper Entitlements?
Starting development without the necessary entitlements can lead to severe consequences, including fines, stop-work orders, or even legal action. It may also result in costly delays as you work to retroactively secure the required approvals. Always ensure you have all necessary entitlements before beginning any development work.
How Do Entitlements Differ for Residential vs. Commercial?
The entitlement process can vary depending on the type of property. For example, commercial developments may require more extensive approvals, such as traffic impact studies or specific zoning changes, compared to residential projects. Understanding the specific requirements for your property type is crucial to navigating the process effectively.
MICHAEL BELASCO
CONTRIBUTOR
Michael Belasco has a decade of real estate and construction experience. He currently works on large-scale, mixed-use development projects in San Francisco for Hines, a global real estate investment, development, and management firm with over $116 billion of assets under management.
This article was updated on 12/13/2024
