SB 79 California Upzoning Bill: Big Promise, Bigger Questions
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
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
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, […]
From Empty Lot to Luxury Home: The 6 Steps of Los Angeles Development
Learn how to transform an empty lot into a luxury home in Los Angeles. JDJ Consulting Group breaks down the 6 key steps of development: due diligence, feasibility, entitlements, permits, community outreach, and construction.
Understanding Los Angeles Zoning Map (2025 Guide)
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.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting an LA Planning Department Entitlement Application
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting an LA County Entitlement Application Planning a development in Los Angeles County involves more than great design or solid financing—you also need the right approvals. One of the biggest milestones is securing entitlements, the official go-ahead from the County (or City) that allows your project to move forward. Without entitlements, you […]
Step-by-Step Guide to Community Outreach for Development Projects
Step-by-Step Guide to Community Outreach for Development Projects When planning a development project, it’s easy to focus on design, financing, or permits. But one step that often gets overlooked can make or break your timeline: community outreach. Good outreach isn’t just a formality. It helps neighbors understand your project and builds trust with local agencies. […]
How to Quickly Check Zoning Restrictions Using NavigateLA
Learn how to quickly check zoning restrictions in Los Angeles using NavigateLA. JDJ Consulting Group shows step-by-step how to understand zoning codes, overlays, and property rules, helping developers, investors, and homeowners plan projects efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluating Land for Multifamily Development
Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluating Land for Multifamily Development When you decide to develop a multifamily project, one of the biggest risks is choosing the wrong parcel of land. What looks like a good deal on paper can turn into costly surprises—zoning issues, unstable soils, utility delays, or community opposition. At JDJ Consulting Group, we often […]
The Impact of California’s New Utility Infrastructure Policies on Project Costing
The Impact of California’s New Utility Infrastructure Policies on Project Costing Planning a project in California takes more than design and financing. One of the biggest cost drivers today comes from something easy to miss: utility infrastructure rules. The state is reshaping how power, water, and gas systems connect to new projects. These changes aim […]
