Understanding SB 9 Eligibility in California

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SB 9 is a California housing law that lets homeowners add more homes on single-family lots. It also allows some parcels to be split into two. The idea is to support more housing in areas that already have roads, parks, and services. The process is faster than many traditional permits because SB 9 relies on […]

What the Proposed 49-Story Tower at L.A. Live Means for Developers and Consultants

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Imagine a 631-foot tower rising where a parking lot now stands. That’s what AEG Worldwide has proposed for 917 W. Olympic Blvd., adjacent to L.A. Live. The project includes: 334 hotel rooms 364 residential units Restaurants, bars, and entertainment spaces Amenity decks with pool, spa, fitness center, and club rooms 666 parking spaces The company […]

Do I Need a Zoning Variance in LA?

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If you own property in Los Angeles, zoning rules shape what you can build and how you can use your land. But sometimes, your site doesn’t fit neatly into the city’s strict zoning code. Maybe the lot is oddly shaped, on a slope, or just too small for the design you want. That’s when people […]

Enlisting Top-Rated Land Use Consultants in Los Angeles

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Finding the right land use consultant in Los Angeles can make or break a development project. Whether you’re planning a new home, a multi-family project, or a mixed-use development, every step — from zoning analysis to permit approvals — demands expertise. But with so many consultants in the city, how do you know which firm […]

What California’s Homeless-Funding Scandal Means for Developers

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California’s housing crisis has been a long and painful story. Billions have been spent, thousands of projects announced, and yet homelessness continues to rise. Recently, a federal investigation into fraud within homeless-housing funds brought a new and uncomfortable truth to light — not every project that promises change is built on trust. The Department of […]

SB 79 California Upzoning Bill: Big Promise, Bigger Questions

San Jose, CA - Aug 16, 2024: Governor Gavin Newsom signing 10 new bills, groundbreaking legislation aimed at combating retail crime in California.

A historic housing bill sits on Gov. Newsom’s desk. It is bold and messy. It aims to let cities build higher near transit. But the devil is in the details — and in the carve-outs. Los Angeles Times This bill, Senate Bill 79, would override local zoning. It lets developers build up to nine stories […]

How to Avoid Common Mistakes in the Entitlement Application

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Every developer in Los Angeles has that story. It usually starts with a promising deal — the site looks perfect, the zoning seems clear, and the timeline feels achievable. But somewhere between excitement and execution, a small detail slips through the cracks. Maybe it’s a missing soils report. Maybe a traffic study was filed under […]

How to Use SB 9 for Small-Lot Development in California Cities

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California’s housing shortage has sparked creative reforms. Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) is one of the most promising tools for landowners, developers, and consultants. SB 9 allows you to turn a single-family lot into up to two units or to split a lot into two parcels, with (ministerial) approval under certain conditions. In this guide, […]

Understanding Los Angeles Zoning Map (2025 Guide)

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Los Angeles zoning can be complex, but it shapes what you can build and where. This guide explains LA zoning in five key maps, covering residential, commercial, industrial, transit-oriented areas, and historic protections. Learn how height, density, and city incentives affect development—and why a zoning consultant can make your project smoother.

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